Unacceptable union exclusion conditions, violation of international labor standards
International Transport Workers’ Federation urges PM Shehbaz to stop PIA privatization
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has called for an immediate halt to the privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), according to a letter from ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.
In the letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Cotton requested that the privatization process be suspended “until there is a meaningful dialogue with the unions representing the PIA workforce”.
Cotton argued that the privatization process excluded unions, including the ITF-affiliated People’s Unity. He said this exclusion is unacceptable, undermines collective agreements and is a violation of global labor standards.
According to the letter, the proposed privatization affects not only PIA’s core assets and key flight operations workers, but also associated operational staff, including those in ground handling, engineering, training and catering services.
Read: Full PIA sale approved after bidders reject government role in airline’s affairs
Cotton warned that without consultation with unions, there is a significant risk of losing skilled and experienced workers. He added that this could affect the livelihoods of employees, the safety of passengers and workers, as well as “the operational success and financial stability of the airline.”
The federation called on the government of Pakistan to suspend the privatization process until unions are fully involved in discussions, ensure that PIA respects the rights of all its employees and ensure transparent and constructive dialogue between the airline’s management and relevant unions.
