[Onthebarricades] Strike in Sindh, Pakistan

[Andy]

Bhatta (brick kiln) workers strike in Sindh

While the political turmoil and movement against the military regime is getting all the attention inside and outside Pakistan, a Bhatta workers strike in Nesher Feroz district of Sindh is getting little attention from the media.

Since 31st March 2007, over 10,000 workers from 39 Bhattas are on strike in Neshero Feroz. They are demanding higher wages, an end to bonded labour and registration of the Bhattas and hence social security cards for the workers.

Led by Pakistan Bhatta Mazdoor Union, the workers have set up strike camp at Nesher Feroz city. The bosses have so for not responded positively. Today on 3rd April, the bosses have threatened the main leaders of the union including Younas Raho central president of the union. 

Younas Rahu is a resident of Moro which in district Neshero Feroz. He is ling time trade union activist and was elected national president of the Bhatta Mazdfoor Union two years earlier. He is also secretary Labour Party Pakistan Sindh chapter. 

Younas rahu told me today on telephone that it is a solid strike and may be it is the first experience of the workers to go on this strike for four days already. There is no work on any of the Bhattas in the district; it is estimate that over 10,000 workers are taking part in the strike. Younas Rahu said that the workers are demanding that their wages should be increased from 190-200 Rupees for making 1000 bricks to Rupees 350. 

They are demanding an immediate implementation of the bonded labour abolition act 1992. The bonded labour still continues in the district despite all the decisions of the courts and government against it. The Peshgi system makes most of the workers bonded and they can not leave the Bhatta until they pay the Peshgi. 

Pakistan Bhata Mazdoor Union has also led a national strike during April 2006 in most part of Pakistan making the Peshgi a national issue. 

The union need your help, please send letter of protest to the Sind government. 
Labour minister Muhammad Adil Siddiqui telephone 9211980-9211463
Secretary Labour, Transport & Industries 
email secy.labour at sindh.gov.pk

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