Power loom workers in the Faisalabad district of Pakistan in mid 2010 went on a series of major strikes and demonstrations in support for wage increases. While workers were successful in achieving pay rises of up to 13%, four of their leaders, Fazal Elahi, Rana Riaz, Babar Randhawa and Akbar Kamboh, were arrested by the police.
Three months into their detention, new charges were added under local anti-terrorist legislation, highlighting the political nature of their arrest.
Power loom workers and their families are continuing to campaign for the immediate release of all four unionists.
For more background click here and here. Send messages of solidarity to pakiwork@gmail.com
Power loom workers in the Faisalabad district of Pakistan in mid 2010 went on a series of major strikes and demonstrations in support for wage increases. While workers were successful in achieving pay rises of up to 13%, four of their leaders, Fazal Elahi, Rana Riaz, Babar Randhawa and Akbar Kamboh, were arrested by the police.
Three months into their detention, new charges were added under local anti-terrorist legislation, highlighting the political nature of their arrest.
Power loom workers and their families are continuing to campaign for the immediate release of all four unionists.
For more background click here and here. Send messages of solidarity to pakiwork@gmail.com
