The Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Cotton INDITEX Project, organized the first awareness-raising session in its series aimed at promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in the Cotton Supply Chain. The session was held in District Bahawalnagar, Punjab.
The session aimed to enhance the understanding of FPRW regarding cotton-growing communities and small landlords and promote decent working conditions within the cotton supply chains. Briefing the background of the session, Mr. Abaan, Project Coordinator at EFP, highlighted the importance of FPRW in ensuring decent work for all. He also shared the contributions and achievements of EFP in promoting and creating decent working conditions and ensuring the safety of workers, which are essential for better productivity and the sustainability of businesses.
Mukhtar Awan, Master Trainer, made a detailed presentation on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, covering all five FPRW agendas. The core principles of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) were highlighted during the session. These principles focus on ensuring freedom of association and effectively recognising the right to collective bargaining. Additionally, the session addressed the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labor, the effective abolition of child labor, and the eradication of discrimination in employment and occupation. It also emphasized the importance of providing all workers with a safe and healthy working environment.
He also emphasized the need to form and strengthen employers’ associations and workers’ federations for meaningful social dialogue and contribute to sustainable development through enhanced productivity. He further briefed that EFP, under the Cotton INDITEX Project, has planned to form small cotton farmers’ and landlords’ associations. These associations aim to bring landlords together on one platform and address their issues with the respective agencies and departments. This will increase their incomes and position them as key players in the global cotton industry.
During the open discussion session, participants inquired about and shared their views on the benefits of forming an employer’s association. They agreed to create a small landlords’ association and suggested the name “Haqooqe Kissan Welfare Association – District Bahawalnagar” for it. A committee was formed to finalize the representatives’ names and positions. Additionally, the participants requested EFP for technical assistance in developing a memorandum of association and helping with registration with the respective forums.
