Karachi: At a recent training workshop organized by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Karachi Union of Journalists, speakers emphasized the need for journalists to unite and strengthen trade unions to address the challenges they face in difficult working conditions.
The workshop, held at the Karachi Press Club, highlighted several key issues: the lack of unity among journalists, the ban on trade unions, the absence of Collective Bargaining Agent (CBA) unions within media organizations, and the decline in trade union activities. These factors have significantly impacted journalists’ working conditions.
During the closing ceremony, PFUJ President G. M. Jamali stressed the importance of raising awareness about labor laws among journalists. He pointed out that understanding their rights when joining media organizations is crucial for seeking redress for any issues they encounter. He mentioned the Joint Action Forum, which serves as a platform for various trade unions to collectively address the concerns of journalists and workers, symbolizing unity among different worker groups.
Senior journalist Hasan Abbas, head of the Green Panel of KUJ, addressed a common misconception among journalists who often criticize unions for not resolving their problems. He urged journalists to recognize that unions can only take action if they are informed about issues and encouraged them to actively participate in union activities to ensure their survival and solidarity.
PFUJ Vice President and Project Coordinator Sheher Bano outlined the program’s goal, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy, to discuss the challenges faced by journalists and develop recommendations for solutions. These recommendations will be presented to relevant authorities to improve working conditions. She also noted that the training series would expand to other districts in Sindh in the future.
A session focused on Anti-Workplace Harassment laws, where Bano guided female participants on how to file complaints related to workplace harassment. Expert trainer Zubair Ashraf provided an overview of the history of trade unions and discussed important laws protecting workers and journalists, including the Newspaper Employees Conditions of Service Act, PEMRA Ordinance, and PECA, emphasizing the significance of being informed about these laws.
Lubna Jerrar Naqvi, senior journalist and IFJ’s Gender Coordinator in Pakistan, encouraged journalists to embrace leadership roles within their communities. Shoaib Ahmed, Secretary of the Karachi Press Club, highlighted the Club’s commitment to labor rights education and the importance of union participation.
The workshop concluded with active group discussions, where participants shared insights on addressing journalists’ challenges and explored potential solutions. The event ended with the distribution of certificates to all participants, acknowledging their engagement and commitment to improving labor conditions for journalists.