EFP and ILO Unite to Enhance Workers’ Rights in Cotton Sector

KARACHI: The Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Rise for Impact (Cotton INDITEX Project), has organized its fourth awareness-raising session aimed at promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work within the cotton supply chain in Rahim Yar Khan.

According to a statement by Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, the session sought to improve respect for workers’ rights and foster decent working conditions in the cotton-growing communities. Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General of EFP, underscored the significance of these principles in ensuring fair labor practices and highlighted EFP’s commitment to responsible business conduct. He also noted that maintaining decent working conditions is essential for sustaining Pakistan’s GSP+ status.

Gulfam Nabi, a consultant, delivered an in-depth presentation on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, detailing key areas such as freedom of association, elimination of forced labor, abolition of child labor, and non-discrimination in employment. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for all workers.

Challenges discussed during the session included the lack of availability of quality goods, defective seeds, and poor-quality urea, which affect cotton production and the broader economy. Mr. Nazar advocated for social dialogue and proposed forming a forum for small-scale cotton growers to unify their efforts and engage in stakeholder discussions.

Participants agreed on the benefits of forming an employers’ association and decided to establish the Small Cotton Growing Landlords Association in District Rahim Yar Khan. A committee was formed to finalize member representation, and participants sought EFP’s technical assistance for the association’s registration process.

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