The Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign (PTUDC) is an international solidarity campaign for Pakistani workers.
History
In 1995, Arif Shah, a leading trade union leader, was assassinated.[2] Following his assassination, the Punjab Labour Federation, the United Labour Federation, the Progressive Workers Alliance, the Railway Workers Union, and the National Union of Postal Employees jointly launched the PTUDC.[3]
Work
The PTUDC declares its views and aims in response to the need for working-class military in Pakistan.[4] It is against privatization and proposes the complete nationalization of industry, in order to put it under the democratic control of workers.[5]
Two of its members were arrested while distributing leaflets to oppose privatization in Karachi.[6] It is working to ensure safe working conditions and to demand better facilities for workers.[7] It holds various events to publicize worker struggle.[8]
In 2005, Pakistani Kashmir was hit by an earthquake.[9] PTUDC had set up relief camps and demanded a hefty tax to be imposed on all capitalists so that money could be generated for rehabilitation.[10] PTUDC established affiliated support groups in Europe, the US and Canada.[11]Jeremy Corbyn attended its solidarity meeting in London.[12]
In May 2018 PTUDC, along with 16 other progressive organisations, established the Lahore Left Front.[13] The Lahore Left Front hosted the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement public meeting at Lahore on 22 April 2018.[14]
Platform
Its platform is as follows:
Defence of trade unions from physical attacks of employers
