This week marked the 5th anniversary of the horrific fire at the Ali Enterprise factory in Baldia, Pakistan, where 260 garment workers were killed. After a long campaign, both within Pakistan and internationally, some reparations were paid to the families of those killed and injured. Unfortunately, the situation for garment workers in Pakistan has not improved with companies routinely violating labour laws and putting profits above workers’ health. The Pakistani garment sector is characterised by insecure work contracts, long work days, non-existent Occupational and Health Safety standards, and the repression of independent union organising.
This week marked the 5th anniversary of the horrific fire at the Ali Enterprise factory in Baldia, Pakistan, where 260 garment workers were killed. After a long campaign, both within Pakistan and internationally, some reparations were paid to the families of those killed and injured. Unfortunately, the situation for garment workers in Pakistan has not improved with companies routinely violating labour laws and putting profits above workers’ health. The Pakistani garment sector is characterised by insecure work contracts, long work days, non-existent Occupational and Health Safety standards, and the repression of independent union organising.
