NTUI salutes the victory of the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz at KESC, Pakistan

The NTUI congratulates the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) for its victorious struggle in defense of workers rights and the protection of the provision of electricity for the working class of Karachi. The withdrawal of the order of putting 4500 workers in surplus pole and deferment of the proposed early retirement plan called voluntary separation scheme (VSS) and release of the salaries of the victimized workers before the start of the month of Ramadan are great achievements. We welcome the formation of a tripartite body, the ‘dispute resolution committee (DRC)’ within a week, comprising representatives from the KESC management, the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz CBA and the civil administration for the resolution of outstanding issues, including those related to the false criminal cases filed by KESC against workers and adjustments against abolished positions.

The 89 days long united struggle has ultimately forced the Government of Pakistan to take up the issue with KESC management, through the office of Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, in support of the worker’s demands. The NTUI salutes the determination of the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz and believe that their victory is an example for the trade union movement in Pakistan and beyond. This victory once again shows that unity and militancy are key to the success of our struggles.

Even as KESC management bears the responsibility of the collapse of the power supply system and the acute electric supply crises in the city, KESC management shamelessly tried to link the electricity load-shedding in Karachi with the union protests. We condemn KESC management for consciously depriving Karachi’s working people and their families of uninterrupted supply of electricity at acceptable prices in intent to delegitimize the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz to the larger public. We welcome the agreement on the normalisation of all business operations of the KESC and the reopening of the KESC service centres as a first priority. The NTUI believes that, as government employees union, the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz struggle for worker’s rights includes the struggle for the public provision of services for all working people.

The NTUI congratulates the All Unions Mazdoor Mahaz for organising such a large and sustained struggle. Their struggle gives confidence and inspiration to workers from across industries and sectors to fight for workers’ rights and in defence of the provision of good quality basic services at acceptable prices to the working class of their cities and towns. We stand in solidarity with them in their fight for dignity, justice, democracy, and in defence of labour rights.