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Sanitation workers strike against privatization
Labour Party Pakistan - April 27, 2009
A complete strike was observed today on 27 April, by over 10,000 sanitation workers in Lahore for the second day. They are demanding an end of proposed privatization of sanitation system in Lahore.
The Punjab government has decided to hand over the whole system to 6 private companies. The sanitation workers union with support of other unions of different sections of Solid Waste Management Lahore (SWM) decided to oppose the plan and have taken the initiative of this important strike.
Over 2000 striking workers marched today from Lahore Press Club to Charing Cross on Mall Road Lahore demanding the end of contract system and permanent jobs for over 4000 workers of SWM. They are working for over 15 years on temporary basis. They were raising slogans against privatization and the management of SWM.
Lahore streets and bazaars are witnessing a lot of problem because the workers have refused to clean the roads and streets. The workers start their jab at 3am and by the morning; most of the streets are cleaned by these workers, mainly from Christian community.
The announcement of the strike was made on 25 April by the sweeper union leaders Mushataq Aaasi and Naggi alongside with Farooq Tariq, spokesperson Labour Party Pakistan. At a press conference held at Lahore Press Club.
Today, the union leaders vowed to continue the strike till the acceptance of the demands. LPP spokesperson Farooq Tariq assured the union of full support of Labour Party Pakistan and Anti Privatization Alliance of Pakistan. They said that the privatization will not solve any problem of the sanitation of Lahore.
It will increase the prices and workers will be laid off. We do not privatization; we need more investment in the department.
The strike will continue tomorrow as well. Workers will get together at Shimla Pehari Chouck and then will proceed in a rally to the Charing Cross.
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