Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign

In 1995, Arif Shah, a leading trade union leader, was assassinated.[1] Following his assassination, the Punjab Labour Federation, the United Labour Federation, the Progressive Workers Alliance, the Railway Workers Union, and the National Union of Postal Employees jointly launched the PTUDC.[2]

The PTUDC declares its views and aims in response to the need for working-class military in Pakistan.[3] It is against privatization and proposes the complete nationalization of industry, in order to put it under the democratic control of workers.[4]

Two of its members were arrested while distributing leaflets to oppose privatization in Karachi.[5] It is working to ensure safe working conditions and to demand better facilities for workers[6]. It holds various events to publicize worker struggle.[7]

In 2005, Pakistani Kashmir was hit by an earthquake.[8] PTUDC had set up relief camps and demanded a hefty tax to be imposed on all capitalists so that money could be generated for rehabilitation.[9] PTUDC established affiliated support groups in Europe, the USA and Canada.[10] Jeremy Corbyn attended its solidarity meeting in London.[11]

In May 2018 PTUDC, along with 16 other progressive organisations, established the Lahore Left Front.[12] The Lahore Left Front hosted the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement public meeting at Lahore on 22 April 2018.[13]

Its platform is as follows:

• Defence of trade unions from physical attacks of employers
• Defence of the right to organize
• Stop the privatization of state industries; re-nationalize those privatized firms under workers’ control
• The establishment of a minimum living wage for all, linked to the cost of living
• The abolition of child labour
• Free education and healthcare

Monthly journal Mazdoornama[14] is the official organ of PTUDC.[15]

• Official website