A MASSIVE number of Pakistanis are believed to have informal employment.

They are scattered across different sectors, including agriculture, services and industry. While their contribution is significant to the economic stability, it is unfortunate that the main characteristic of their own lives is nothing but misery.

The plight of labour has not improved, and one of the main reasons in this regard is the complete marginalisation of the labour movements as well as trade unions. That being so, the workers have very little space to settle their issues with their respective managements, and work for the collective rights of the workforce.

Contractual labour is the potential cause behind this. Workers do not have long-term affiliation with the industry they are associated with. In the absence of active labour unions, the workers have to fend for themselves, fearing the loss of employment if they speak or act against contractual terms and conditions.

The scenario has a negative impact on work proficiency as well, but shortsighted managements are not bothered by such things. The workers, to them, are bonded labour. Even when injuries and emergencies occur, these heartless managements simply shed the burden by showing the door to the man in trouble.

According to a survey done in 2014-15, the number of deaths due to industrial accidents in just those two years had increased by 50 per cent, while injuries had risen by approximately 105pc. There was no survey done to see what kind of compensations the affected families got.

Moreover, labour unions, when they work efficiently, serve to protect the rights of the working class. But the institution has been struggling, which is rather unfortunate as it was a potent force in the years gone by. It was a vital component of the larger umbrella of civil society. There is a need to revitalise the institution of trade unions in the country.

As things stand today, the dice is loaded against the workers, but they have to be proactive in this regard.

Misbah Anum Hyderabad