By Ali, Sawrah, Shifa
Several activities and programs are held by the Pakistan Tarde Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC) all across the country and its held areas to commemorate International Labour Day and to pay tribute to the struggle of the Chicago Martyrs. A brief report of these programs is being published here for our readers. The PTUDC along with Revolutionary Students Front (RSF) and Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) conducted a poster campaign for May Day, which included the following demands:
- Get Out IMF
- Immediate fifty per cent rise in salaries.
- The minimum wage to be raised equal to the value of one tola gold.
- An immediate end to the policy of privatization, unemployment, forced dismissals and contracting system.
- Collective democratic ownership of workers of all industries and the economy.
Rawalpindi
On the occasion of Labor Day, PTUDC and Railway Labor Union organized a rally and a meeting on May 1st, at Railway Loco Shed, Rawalpindi. While highlighting the struggle of Chicago Martyrs, Central Leader Railway Labor Union, Raja Imran, said that 136 years ago the martyrs of Chicago conveyed the message to the workers around the world through their struggle that whenever workers enter the field wearing a shroud on their heads to acquire their demands, they can bring even the world’s great powers to their knees. The gains that the workers had won through their struggle are now being snatched away by the capitalist system to maintain its rate of profit and the working hours have been increased to 12 to 16 hours. Reiterating the labour struggle, Raja Imran demanded an immediate 50 per cent increase in salaries and gave a message of class solidarity to all the workers. Labour leaders Lala Pervez, Abdul Rehman, and PTUDC Central Joint Secretary Dr Changez and Dr Haseeb also addressed the meeting. Asif Rasool paid homage to the labour struggle by singing a revolutionary poem.
Metropolitan Rawalpindi
A rally was organized in Metropolitan Rawalpindi on Tuesday, April 26, under the auspices of Municipal Labor Union CBA and PTUDC to pay tribute to the struggle of Chicago workers. The workers held banners and posters with demands and slogans against IMF dictated policies. Rally workers chanted slogans against inflation, unemployment, and privatization. Addressing the participants, Shahid Raza Padri said that the struggle of the Martyrs of Chicago is still a beacon for us and we will continue our struggle till the workers’ rule. Other speakers included Raja Abdul Majeed Patron General, Raja Haroon Sadar, Javed Khan, Parvez Cheeda, Ghulam Muhammad Naz, Asif Rashid, Fauzia Rajput, Malik Israr, Dr Changez of PTUDC, Taimur Saleem and Sufyan of JKNSF and others.
Sadiqabad
A seminar was organised by PTUDC at the Bar Room, Sadiqabad, on the occasion of May Day which was attended by factory workers, lawyers, journalists, and political activists. The speakers included Central General Secratry PTUDC, Qamar uz Zaman Khan, Information Secretary PTUDC Dr Umer Rasheed, Hafiz Nadeem, Bashir Soomro, Jahanzaib Babar, Sarwar Aijaz, Abbas Taj, Chaudhary Muhammad Arshad, Syed Mukhtar ul Hassan Advocate and Jahangir Varind.
Quetta
On April 28, 2022, a seminar was organized by the Pakistan Workers Confederation on the occasion of May Day at the Agriculture Office, Rani Bagh, Quetta. The delegation of the Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign (PTUDC) led by Central President PTUDC, Nazar Mengal attended the seminar. Leaders of Pakistan Workers Confederation Mama Salam Baloch, Pir Mohammad Kakar, Mohammad Hanif Hasani, Mohammad Zaman, and PTUDC leaders Nazar Mengal, Ali Raza Mongol and others addressed the seminar.
Karachi
May Day is the only day that is celebrated all over the world, regardless of race, religion, nation or caste. This year too, May Day was celebrated globally with traditional fervour. In Karachi, May Day was celebrated under the banner of the Joint May Day Committee of Karachi Trade Unions. The program was held at 11AM in the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, in which more than 20 labour organizations including PTUDC participated. The program began with the Workers’ International Anthem.
The program was moderated by Nasir Mansoor and Farhat Parveen. Tauqeer Chaghai recited a poem on the occasion of May Day. The first speaker was Karamat Ali, General Secretary of the National Labor Council. Other speakers included Salahuddin, Former President of Sindh High Court Bar, Gul Rehman of NTUF, Mirza Maqsood from Pakistan Steel, Ghulam Mehboob, General Secretary PC Hotel Union, Dr Huma Advocate, Zulfiqar Shah from KMC Workers Federation, Naureen from Women Democratic Front, Qamar ul Hassan from IUF, Chairperson Lady Health Workers Union Bushra Arain, Zara Akbar from HBWF, Riaz Hussain Lond, Former Central President PTUDC and leader of PPP, Liaqat Ali Sahi from Democratic Workers Federation State Bank of Pakistan, Mehnaz Rehman from Aurat Foundation, Junaid Awan from Railway Workers Union Javed Press (Jang), Union CBA’s Shakeel Yameen Kanga, President People’s Labor Bureau Sindh, Habib-ud-Din Junadi. The speakers criticized the anti-labour policies of IMF and World Bank and called for unity among trade unions.
Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi
Trade Union Alliance of Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi organized a public meeting in Steel Town on the occasion of May Day. The meeting was moderated by Akbar Memon, Chairman PTUDC Steel Mills. Riaz Lond was invited as the chief guest. Participants paid tribute to the martyrs of May Day and discussed the problems faced by the working class today. They also vowed to strengthen the Steel Mills Restoration Movement.
PC Hotel Workers, Karachi
Workers Solidarity Committee, Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi held a torch-bearing rally on the night of April 30th in connection with May Day in which representatives of various trade unions, workers and civil society including PTUDC participated. At the end of the rally, the labour leaders in their address to the participants of the rally expressed concern over the violation of labour rights in the country. The PC hotel dispute is a 20-year-old and trade unions across the country have also expressed solidarity with the PC hotel workers, we strongly demand that labour rights be restored and that the workers be given the right to collective bargain.
Hyderabad
On the occasion of May day, PTUDC held a protest in front of Hyderabad Press Club to pay tribute to the struggle of the martyrs of Chicago and against the imposition of IMF policies, inflation, privatization, unemployment and poverty. Leaders and workers and youth of All Pakistan OGDCL, Mazdoor Ittehad Union, Railway Workers Union, Railway Mehnat Kash Union, Seva, All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) and Primary Teachers’ Association including PTUDC and Revolutionary Students Front (RSF) participated in the demonstration.
While addressing the protesters, Advocate Nisar Chandio, Hassan Bakhsh Khoso, Ayub Kambhar, Lata, Jay Prakash and Aziz Khoso strongly condemned the policies of IMF and vowed to take practical action against these policies.
Mirpur Khas
On May Day, PTUDC organised a rally in Mirpur Khas to pay tribute to the struggle of the martyrs of Chicago. The participants of the rally chanted slogans against the IMF dictated anti-labour policies, inflation, privatization, unemployment and poverty, as well as against water scarcity and economic attacks by the government.
The rally was attended by workers and union leaders from various organizations including; PTUDC, RSF, Progressive Writers Association, Sindh Mazdoor Ittehad, Retired Employees Union, APCA, State Life and others. While addressing the rally, Parashutam, Ramesh Kumar, Yousuf Chauhan, Issa Baloch, Hameed Chana, Mushtaq Laghari, Sajid Leghari, Abdul Jabbar Nohri, Jai Ram Das, Abuja and Muhammad Hussain Arisar, said that the blood of the martyrs of Chicago will not go in vain and our struggle will continue till the end of capitalism and the rise of socialist revolution.
Tando Allahyar
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, PTUDC organized a rally from Latif Park to the Press Club. A large number of workers, students, teachers, youth and conscious people from different fields participated. While addressing the rally, PTUDC leaders Jamshed Jirwar, Abdul Ghaffar Jirwar, Ashfaq Khaskheli, Mumtaz Arisar and others said that the current system of exploitation has ruined the lives of the workers. Following the policies of the IMF, the ruling class is imposing anti-labour measures on us. We must intensify the struggle against this system and its disciples and establish a classless society which is possible only through socialism in the present age.
Kotri
On the evening of 28th April 2022, in accordance with the International Labor Day, a program was organized by PTUDC and RSF at Site Area Kotri. Workers and youth from various factories and mills participated and Jamshoro based youth alliance (JYA) also joined the program. President RSF Sindh University, Faisal Mastoi performed the duties of Stage Secretary. While inaugurating the program, Akram Misrani paid tribute to the martyrs of Chicago. After Akram, Sohail Chandio, Sajid Shah, Amjad Mastoi, Valhar Chhachar and Esar Das took part to enrich the discussion, while at the end Aslam Mehr delivered the closing remakes.
Tando Ghulam Ali
On Labor Day, PTUDC and the Inqalabi Haari Jeddojehad organised a rally from Mir Gate to the Press Club. The rally was attended by a large number of workers, farmers, youth and conscious people from various fields. While addressing the rally, PTUDC leaders Karim Leghari, Ratan Kumar, Hero Lal, Imran Kambhar and Azam Khaskheli, Provincial General Secretary Inqalabi Haari Jeddojehad, Maqbool Leghari, Rizwan Ali Rind and Amir Bakhsh Rind and others held in high regard the great sacrifices of the martyrs of Chicago. And emphasized labour solidarity, they vowed to intensify the struggle against the present capitalist exploitative system. They said that along with the workers, the living conditions of the farmers in this country have also become challenging. Today we have to intensify our struggle by fighting against water scarcity, artificial reduction in crop prices and this feudal mafia exploitation. Mukhtiar Adil Dwakar and Sagar Kumar performed the duties of stage secretaries. Thorough out the rally, the city kept resounding with revolutionary songs and slogans of the workers.
Mirpur Bathoro
On May Day, in Mirpur Bathoro, a rally was organized by PTUDC from Talat Chowk to the bus stop to pay tribute to the martyrs of Chicago, to demand a minimum worker’s wages equal to 1 Tola gold, and also against privatization, unemployment, inflation and contracting system. The rally was attended by a large number of farmers, labourers and youth from across the city. While addressing the rally, Rashid Azad, Jabbar Zainur, Sikandar Zainur, Ghulam Hussain Mir Bahr and others said that on this day, peaceful workers in Chicago were shot, at the time when they were protesting for their just rights. Even today the workers are deprived of their rights and various imperialist institutions including the IMF. Today, once again, there is a need for us to intensify the struggle against this oppressive capitalist system. The salvation of the workers lies in the socialist revolution.
Dadu
A rally was organised on May Day by the PTUDC from Highways Labour Hall to the Press Club which was attended by Highways Labour Union, WAPDA Hydro-electric Central Labour Union, Pakistan Paramedical Staff Union, IT Employees Association, Berozgar Naujawan Tehreek (BNT), RSF and others. Participants raised slogans against IMF, Inflation, Lack of Health and Education facilities, and the non-availability of clean drinking water. Saddam Khaskheli, Aijaz Baghio, Panhwar Rehnam, Abdul Hameed Jamali, Zameer Korejo, leader of WAPDA Hydro-electric Central Labour Union, and Raja Rafiq Panhwar, leader of Pakistan Paramedical Staff Union addressed the rally. Moriel Panhwar, Leader of Highways Labour Union and President PTUDC Dadu District delivered the concluding remarks.
Johi
A rally was organised on May Day by PTUDC to the Press Club. Participants sloganeered against IMF and the rising cost of living. Munir Ahmad Mallah, Roodnani Baloch, Mehram Soomro, Khalil Arif Soomro, Shahnawaz Daahri, Shabbir Sheikh, leader of Sweepers Union, Muhammad Babr, Shahzaib Soomro, Mansoor Thaheem, Mir Murtaza Thaheem, Ayub Laghari, Usman Roodnati, Jabal Laghari, Horaiyo Soomro, Mamhammad ud Din Panhwar addressed the rally while Amin Laghari acted as the chairperson.
Bhan Syedabad
A rally was organised by the PTUDC, RSF and BNT from the Civil Hospital to Press Club in which workers and students participated. They held banners, placards and torches. Iqbal Memon, Badr ud Din Panhwar, Shah Mehmood Panhwar, Sajjad Gachal, Parel Channa, Tariq Panhwar, Mushtaq Selro and PTUDC Sindh President, Anwar Panhwar addressed the rally.
Khairpur
A rally was organised by PTUDC and United Labour Federation from Chatri Chowk to Panchgala Chowk. Saeed Khaskheli, Shehbaz Phalpoto, Amjad Lashari, Mukhtar Khamisani, Raza Durrani, Abdul Wahab Sheikh, and others led the rally. They paid tribute to the martyrs of Chicago. They also demanded an end to forced dismissals and privatization. Free provision of education and health.
K.N. Shah
A workers’ rally to pay homage to the martyrs of Chicago was organised by PTUDC in which other trade unions, social and political organizations including Hamali Workers’ Union, Brick Kiln Workers’Union, Rice Mills Workers’Union and Awami Workers’ Party and RSF participated. Marchers raised slogans against anti-labour policies of IMF, inflation, lack of basic necessities, unemployment and privatization. Ansar Barro of AWP, Sohail Chandio of RSF, Wazir Gadhi of Hamali Workers’ Union, and Essa Chandio and Aijaz Babr of PTUDC addressed the rally.
Nawab Shah
A rally was organised to pay tribute to the martyrs of Chicago. Students and Workers carried banners and chanted slogans against rising inflation and unemployment. The rally was addressed by Hanif Lakho, Aijaz Sheikh, Anwar Chandio, Waris Ali and others.
Sehwan
PTUDC and RSF organised a rally to pay homage to the martyrs of Chicago. The participants included students and workers who were carrying banners and placards with Anti-IMF and Anti-Capitalist slogans on them. The rally was addressed by Sikandar Otho, Mushtaq Selro, Badr ud din Panhwar, Sajjad Shahani, Arib Mallah, Secretary of Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Mir Hajan Mir, President of Revolutionary Rickshaw Union, Ashiq Chandio, Mehboob Otho, Sikandar Ali Shah, Syed Rashid Shirazi and Anwar Panhwar.
Rahim Yar Khan
A protest demonstration was organized on May Day by the PTUDC outside District Press Club in which workers, students and peasants participated. Participants also chanted slogans against IMF, World Bank and other imperialist institutes. Also a protest rally was organised on May Day in Kh anpur in which participants paid tribute to the struggle of Chicago workers and also chanted slogans against inflation and IMF dictated policies.
Multan
A protest demonstration was organized on May Day by the Railway Labour Union, People’s Labour Bureau South Punjab and PTUDC at the Multan Railway Station. The participants also chanted slogans against IMF and other Imperialist Financial Institutions. PTUDC leader, Nadeem Pasha, and Mubashir Shah, leader Peoples Labour Bureau South Punjab and Railway Labour Union, addressed the participants.
Jampur
On May 1st, a rally was organized in Jampur by the PTUDC to pay tribute to the struggle of workers of Chicago. Participants of the rally held placards, banners and red flags. The participants also chanted slogans against IMF and other Imperialist institutions, and against the rising cost of living. At the end of the rally, PTUDC Central Leader Rauf Lond and Shehryar Zouq, RSF Leaders Hatim and Suqrat , Asif Gashkori and others addressed the gathering. In their speeches, they said that as long as only the governments keep changing without any system change the current situation will not change. It is necessary to uproot the exploitative economic system. For which the socialist revolution is inevitable. The rally ended at the city’s main traffic intersection.
Faisalabad
A protest rally was organised at District Council Chowk, Faisalabad, by Sanjh Faisalabad, Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party, Communist Party of Pakistan, National Party and Aghaz-e-Inquilaab Mazdoor Tehreek, on the occasion of May Day. The Home Based Women Workers Federation also staged a protest in front of Press Club, Faisalabad. A delegation of PTUDC attended the rally and demonstration and expressed solidarity with all the demands of the workers and took an active part in the sloganeering against inflation, unemployment, austerity cuts, pay cuts, privatization, IMF and World Bank. Comrades of PTUDC also sold fortnightly “The Struggle” among the workers and activists.
Sialkot
On the occasion of May Day, a motorcycle rally was organized by PTUDC and RSF in Sialkot which, passing through different parts of the city, ended at Allama Iqbal Chowk. During the rally, participants chanted Anti-IMF and Anti-Capitalism slogans. While addressing the rally at Allama Iqbal Chowk the speakers siad that the minimum wage be raised to the value of 1 tola gold and condemned the anti-labor policies dictated by the IMF. Speakers included PTUDC leader, Nasir Mahmood Butt, RSF Sialkot Organizer, Tipu Ayaz, Hasnain Butt and Ansar Baghi, and PPP leader Malik Hasan Pervaiz.
Hassan Abdal
On the occasion of May Day, a protest was organized by PTUDC and Peoples Labor Bureau at the gate of Fauji Mills, Hassan Abdal on 29th April. Workers in the protest offered red salutes to the martyrs of Chicago and chanted slogans against the IMF dictated anti-labour policies. Addressing the rally, President Peoples Labor Bureau Attock District Siraj Gul Khattak, and Central Joint Secretary of PTUDC, Dr. Changez Malik said that the struggle of the Chicago Martyrs proves that when the workers brace themselves to fight for their demands, they do not hesitate to make any sacrifice and rest only once their demands are accepted. It is the working class that has brought revolutions in the world and made its mark in history as one of the real transformers of societies. We vow today that we will continue our struggle till the workers’ rule.
Malakand
A seminar was organised in Malakand by PTUDC and RSF on the occasion of May Day in which workers, peasants and students participated. The speakers criticised the policies of IMF and vowed to struggle till the Socialist Revolution. Speakers included Sangeen Bacha of RSF, Malik Jan of PTUDC and others.
Kashmir
Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF) and Pakistan Trade Union Defense Campaign (PTUDC) organized seminars, vigils and programs in different parts of Pakistan held Kashmir to commemorate the International Workers Day. Short reports of these events are being published here.
Rawalakot
On the occasion of May Day 2022, a protest rally against IMF, inflation, wage reduction, and capitalist exploitation was organized, and a seminar titled “The Historic Struggle of Workers and the Current Crisis” was held by the JKNSF and PTUDC in Rawalkot. The seminar was addressed by Central President JKNSF Khalil Babar, RSF Central Leader Omer Abdullah along with Rajesh Kumar, and other veteran leaders of JKNSF including Zulfiqar Shabir, Wajid Khan, Altmash Tasadduq, Tanvir Anwar, Bilal Amin, Zubair Lateef and others spoke and paid tribute to the martyr workers of Chicago.
Muzaffarabad
On the occasion of May Day 2022, JKNSF and PTUDC organized a protest rally against IMF, inflation, reduction of wages, and capitalist exploitation. A seminar titled “The issues of Workers and Our Role” was also discussed after the rally. The seminar was addressed by Former Central President JKNSF Rashid Shiekh, PTUDC leader Tariq Chugtai and others.
Bagh
On the occasion of May Day 2022, JKNSF and PTUDC organized a protest rally against IMF, inflation, reduction in wages, and capitalist exploitation at Birpani, Bagh. A seminar titled “May Day and the current capitalist crisis” was held after the rally in which workers and students participated and expressed their views.
Ali Sojal
A protest rally was held regarding May Day against the policies of IMF, rising inflation, poverty, ignorance, unemployment, privatization, and national oppression. The rally ended at the main square where it transformed into a public meeting. The duties of the stage secretary were performed by senior NSF leader, Tahir Ishaq. The discussion was started by Arsalan Shani, Member Editorial Board JKNSF. After that, Organizer City Unit JKNSF Ali Sojal, Samad Rehman, Chairman JKNSF Degree College Hajira, Saifullah, Organizer JKNSF Post Graduate College Rawalakot, Hannan Babar, Chairman JKNSF Study Circle Ali Sojal City Unit, Zameer Ishaq, Organizer JKNSF Rawalpindi Branch, Mehaz Akhtar, Member Editorial Board JKNSF Mujeeb Khan, Member Central Committee JKNSF, Qadir Nazeer, addressed the gathering. While the revolutionary anthem was recited by General Secretary JKNSF City Unit Ali Sojal, Saud Qayyum. Former Chief Organizer JKNSF, Tanveer Anwar, concluded the program by vowing to intensify the struggle of the workers.
Datoot
In connection with May Day 2022, an Iftar dinner was organized by JKNSF College Unit in Bedi Bazaar, and a seminar was held. After the program, a rally was taken to the main square.
Khaigala
On the occasion of May Day 2022, a rally was held against inflation, unemployment, and privatization. A demonstration was held against the IMF at the end of the rally. The protesters were addressed by the leaders of the JKNSF and PTUDC.
Palandri
A seminar titled ” Current Global Crisis and the History of Workers” was held in Palandri by JKNSF. The seminar was addressed by Central President JKNSF Khalil Babar , PTUDC leader Saad Nasir and others.
Hajeera
An anti-inflation rally was held on the occasion of May Day. The rally ended with a demonstration against the IMF. JKNSF leaders addressed the protesters.
