LAHORE: The Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union on Wednesday urged political parties to address workers` issues in their election manifestos.

The union demanded the safeguarding of workers fundamental rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining, stressing the need to tackle the challenge of unemployment.

They urged a focused approach by political parties towards the development of national institutions, industries, agriculture, commerce, and trade.

A key demand put forth by the union was the adoption of a National Economic Self-Reliance Policy, along with measures ensuring free standard education, safe working conditions, and decent wages for workers.

It also demanded enactment of standard laws forworkers` welfare and the regularisation of contract and daily-wage workers.

The union leaders also raised the issues of child and bonded labour, emphasising the necessity of preventing tragic accidents and occupational diseases at workplaces.

They drew attention to the shortage of staff meant for monitoring workers` conditions, saying that only 700 labour inspectors were overseeing billions of workers, as opposed to the standards set by the ILO Convention No 81 ratified by the Pakistan government.

Furthermore, they called for inclusive representation of the working class in legislative bodies, aligning with ILO Convention No 144.

Federation Secretary General Khurshid Ahmad conveyed these demands to major political parties, urging them to promote workers` welfare and uplift the dignity of work in society.