Unacceptable trade union exclusion conditions, violation of international labor standards
International Transport Workers’ Federation urges PM Shehbaz to stop privatization of PIA
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 to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Cotton requested that the privatization process be stopped “until there is meaningful dialogue with the unions representing the PIA workforce.”
Cotton argued that the privatization process has excluded unions, including the ITF-affiliated Unidad Popular. He said this exclusion is unacceptable, undermines collective bargaining agreements and constitutes a violation of global labor standards.
According to the letter, the proposed privatization affects not only PIA’s core assets and airlines’ core operations workers, but also allied operations staff, including those in ground handling, engineering, training and catering.
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Cotton warned that without union consultation, there is a significant risk of losing qualified and experienced workers. It added that this could affect the livelihoods of employees, the safety of passengers and workers, and the “operational success and financial stability of the airline.”
The federation has asked the Government of Pakistan to halt the privatization process until the unions fully participate in the 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.
