Labourers worst affected by coronavirus: Bilawal Bhutto

Islamabad: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the labour class, particularly daily wagers have been those worst affected by the economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic.

As the world economy shrinks it is imperative on governments to support them but unfortunately, right-wing governments across the globe are deciding to put profit before people.

In his message issued on the eve of International Labour Day, the PPP Chairman said that the global Corona pandemic had exposed the fatal flaws of neo-liberal economic policies, laying bare the anti-labour policies of governments that serve the few at the cost of the many.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that it was the responsibility of federal governments to ensure the speedy provision of relief to the poor and the daily wagers during the deadly pandemic. Sadly they have been left at the mercy of profiteers or subjected to lay-offs. The state has abandoned its responsibilities and shrugged of its burden of care to protect the rights of the labour and working classes.

PPP Chairmain said that this situation is a moment of concern for every conscientious Pakistani. At a time when the lives of our fellow citizens are in danger and their future is uncertain, conspiracies are being hatched to privatise selected state units and deprive the provinces of their constitutional powers and funds.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that the people’s government in Sindh, through legislation, has banned the firing of any employee during a lockdown, while hundreds of thousands unemployed workers and their families have been provided with necessary rations at their doorsteps.

He demanded that the federal government should provide financial assistance to unemployed workers on the basis of the minimum wage set by the government until its is safe for Pakistan to end the lockdown and send people back to work without risking their lives and well being.