‘The shipyards were a no-go area for us’
Nasir Mansoor, President of the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) in Pakistan
First experiences
Terrible working conditions
‘When I first became involved in the shipbreaking industry fifteen years ago, I was shocked by the terrible working conditions. Workers, mostly immigrants, had no rights and were treated like wage slaves. They worked twelve to fourteen hours a day without social security, a pension, or safety measures. Shipowners, police, and intermediaries - jamadars - dominated the industry. The shipyards were a no-go area for anyone who stood up for workers’ rights. And anyone who expressed their opinion was silenced.’
Biggest obstacle
Employers’ power
‘The biggest obstacle was the power that employers had over the region, and in Gadani in particular. With the support of the police and local authorities, shipowners controlled everything with a fake trade union run by jamadars that exploited the workers. The trade union was only there to pretend workers had a say, but in fact shipowners were the only ones benefitting from it. The workers worked without formal contracts and were paid on a daily basis. They were terrified to speak up, afraid of being blacklisted and no longer being given work.
Government used anti-terrorist laws
Despite all the threats, workers started to organise. The government even used anti-terrorist laws against us, as if fighting for labour rights were a crime. Many of our trade union leaders were arrested or had to flee. I remember one of our people leaving for Saudi Arabia because staying here was too dangerous. It truly was a hostile environment. Every step towards unionisation met with fierce resistance from the employers and the authorities.’
Breakthrough moment
The first real trade union for shipbreakers
‘A breakthrough moment was when we established the first real trade union for shipbreakers. We never expected to achieve this in such a hostile environment. I was really proud to see our trade union’s red flag flying, and to know that thousands of workers could regard this as a symbol of hope.’
Personal contribution
Negotiating with the government and employers
‘My role, in cooperation with the trade union, was to negotiate with the government and employers. I also worked closely together with international allies such as the FNV and global union IndustriALL.
The FNV’s support was incredibly important. They backed us and provided us with the means we needed to really achieve something. Without them it might have taken another ten to twenty years to achieve what we have today.’
Effect of the Hong Kong Convention
Workers standing up against unsafe practices
‘Because of the economic crisis in Pakistan, shipbreaking now has largely come to a standstill, as a result of which the Hong Kong Convention is not being fully complied with. However, it is a significant step in the right direction. Of course, a great deal still needs to be changed. Accidents still occur and employers often economise on safety measures, but workers are more aware of their rights and are standing up against unsafe practices. This fight is not only about Pakistan but about international solidarity. Only by working together will we be able to hold companies accountable and make progress for workers all over the world.’
‘They viewed us as troublemakers’
‘A special moment was when the Ministry of Maritime Affairs which had always ignored us, finally had to sit at the table with our trade union to discuss safety legislation. For years, the ministry had just consulted with people who were not really engaged in improving working conditions. They viewed us as troublemakers. But the tragic fire in Gadani in 2016 changed that. I remember us sitting opposite civil servants who had ignored us for years, and submitting the draft legislation we had drawn up ourselves - extensive safety standards to prevent further accidents. We were finally being heard and making progress. The legislation is still awaiting adoption, but that moment was a step forward in making shipbreaking safe in Pakistan.’