Journeys to democracy

Email from Naeem Sadiq in Karachi, with this note: Modern-day- slavery (You may like to write to CM Sindh on this issue)

January 11, 2019

Mr. Imran Khan, 

Prime Minister of Pakistan

Abolish the cruelest form of modern-day- slavery, child labour and exploitation being practiced at Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC), Karachi.

1.     I would like to bring to your notice some specific details of the cruelty, slavery, child-labour and inhuman exploitation.

2.     Hundreds of janitorial staff are engaged in cleaning the streets of DHA and Clifton on behalf of the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC), Karachi.    The CBC has contracted out the sweeping task to contractors who pay these workers Rs.11100 per month for a 6 amto 3 pm shift, while the minimum legal wage in Sindh is Rs.16200.   These workers are also not entitled to any sick leave, medical facilities, social security or old age benefits.

3.     As you can see from the attached photographs, many underage children are also exploited and used as sweepers.

4.     This issue impacts upon millions of under-paid Pakistanis and requires your personal intervention. Kindly order (no new law is needed) the following: 

a.     That all janitorial staff, working for CBC as direct employees or as employees of its contractors, are paid the minimum daily wages defined under Sindh minimum wage law.

b.    That child-labour be stopped with immediate effect.

c.     That the janitors be given other legal facilities such as sick leave, medical, social security and old age benefits.

d.    That the janitors be provided the personal protective equipment such as gloves, shoes, masks, uniform, and sweeping tools. 

e.     That legal action be taken against CBC for violating the minimum wage law as well as Article 25 of the Constitution that guarantees equal treatment before law for all citizens of Pakistan.

Sincerely,

Naeem Sadiq

Filed under: Human rights | Tagged: exploitation, janitors, Pakistan, rights, sanitation, workers |