Although multinationals campaign for free hiring and firing rights, they implemented the upward wage revision promptly.
PAKISTANI businesses perceive trade unions as a drag on growth, a redundant institution led by hooligans known for blackmailing the management, a legal burden impinging on their freedom, a regressive force against technological advancement and a tool in the hands of hostile political entities.
Experts warn of adverse consequences if trade unions are deprived of their role in growth and exports. They believe vibrant labour bodies are crucial for the defence of democracy and extending its gains.
“The world is watching. If the stories of the workers’ exploitation start spilling on social media, perpetrators will be dumped by their global suppliers and clients in the West. Besides, it’s stupid to dare the desperate,” a minder of labour affairs said privately.
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Opinion
December 27, 2020
There are mainly two reasons for discussing the One Unit episode in our history in this column. First is that in 2020, it was the 50th anniversary of the dissolution of One Unit, which after 15 years of experimentation was abolished in 1970. The second is the present drive of the government to roll back the 18th Amendment, which will essentially bring back memories of One Unit.
For the uninitiated, just a quick recap. When Pakistan came into being in 1947 it comprised two wings: East Bengal and West Pakistan which had multiple provinces and administrative units. East Bengal had around 55 percent of Pakistan’s population which mostly spoke one language – Bengali or Bangla – whereas the remaining 45 percent population spread over several provinces and states in the western wing spoke Balochi, Punjabi, Pashto, Seraiki, Sindhi, and many other languages. The capital was in Karachi in the western wing, a city which had been severed from Sindh to be made