HYDERABAD: Activists of workers` unions and associations, political and nationalist parties and human rights organisations took out rallies and staged demonstrations in several Sindh towns to mark International Labour Day on Wednesday.

Labour leaders in their speeches to workers` gatherings reiterated their demands and paid tribute to the workers of Chicago who had waged a historic struggle for their rights.They said the exploitative system deprived them of their basic rights and demanded minimum wages, raise in allowances and pensions and regularisation of contractual employees` services.

National Trade Union Federation, Sindh Sugar Mills Workers Federation, Treet Corporation workers`union, Sindh Taraqqi-pasand Party, Awami Jamhoori Party, Awami Workers Party, Peace Council Pakistan, Railway Mehnat Kash Union and All Pakistan Lady Health Workers organised rallies and seminars to mark the day.Their leaders said that workers` rights were usurped in the name of third-party employment, they were not given appointment letters neither were they registered by Employees Old Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

They said that EOBI was not extending medical facilities to workers and Sindh Worl(ers Welfare Board remained paralysed. They demanded raise in workers` salaries to Rs20,000 from Rs16,200 per month.

SUKKUR: Activists of STP, nurses association and trade unions took out rallies in Sukkur,Ghotki, Jacobabad and KandhkotKashmore districts to observe May Day. All the rallies culminated at press clubs where the leaders highlighted the importance of the day.

BADIN: Activists of Army Welfare Sugar Mills workers` union and STP brought out rallies waving red flags to observe May Day.

The leaders demanded an end to contractor system in oil and gas companies, sugar and rice mills and other companies, provision of overtime, unemployment insurance and compensation for loss of job and workplace injury.KHAIRPUR: Leaders of trade unions demanded the government ensure rights of workers at a programme held here to mark May Day.

They called for legislation for the protection of labourers` rights, elimination of corruption and implementation of minimum wages law.

MITHI: May Day was observed in Mithi, Diplo, Kaloi, Chhachhro, Chelhar, Islaml(ot, Nagarparl(ar, Tando Bago, Talhar, Matli and Golarchi towns of Badin and Thar.

Different political parties organised programmes to mark the day.