The horrific factory fire at Badar 313 factory Gujranwala that killed more than 7 workers and injured dozens exposed the fragility and brutal nature of capitalism in Pakistan. The Pakistan capitalist in pursue for higher profit margins always compromise the safety thus making workers to work under fear. The recent incident also shows complete impotency of Pakistani State which is unable to implement labour laws and complete absence of regulations. Despite of working for factory for years they are considered as permanent labor which means they are subject to extreme exploitation at the hands of capitalist.
The call for Strike jointly by 10 trade unions along with their affiliates is for the rightful demands of the workers. Twelve point charter of demands seeking withdrawal of labour law amendments and the land acquisition amendment ordinance, stopping privatization and foreign investment in railways, insurance and defense, banning speculative trade in commodities, universalization of public distribution system as well policies to address price hike and improve employment opportunities are the just demands that should be immediately fulfilled.