Stand with Pakistan International Airlines workers - Sign the Petition to the Pakistan Government Now!
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is facing imminent privatisation without any consultation with the unions representing its dedicated workforce.
Our affiliate, People’s Unity, representing thousands of Pakistan’s aviation workers, is being completely excluded from discussions. This jeopardises the livelihood of skilled workers who are critical to the safe and efficient running of the airline, increasing the risks to both aviation workers and passengers.
The Government’s attempts to improve the financial performance of PIA must not come at the expense of aviation workers. The airline’s dedicated workforce is its backbone and their well-being must be prioritised.
Global experiences show that successful airline privatisation hinges on meaningful social dialogue and workforce inclusion. We are demanding that the Pakistan Government immediately halt the privatisation process until transport unions are fully involved in discussions and the rights of workers are respected.
By signing this petition, you stand in solidarity with thousands of PIA workers.
In partnership with People’s Unity Union - Pakistan
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Our Petition to Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, & Cabinet Committee for Privatisation
The ITF and its affiliated unions call upon the Government of Pakistan to halt the impending privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) until there is meaningful dialogue with the trade unions representing the workforce of PIA.
To date, the privatisation process has excluded the unions, including the ITF-affiliated People's Unity, which represents thousands of aviation workers. This is unacceptable and undermines collective bargaining agreements and international labour standards.
The proposed privatisation affects essential PIA assets, including core airline operations workers as well as allied operations workers such as ground handling, engineering, training, and catering. Without union consultation, there is a significant risk of losing experienced and skilled workers. This impacts employees’ livelihoods, affects the safety of both workers and passengers, and risks the operational success and financial stability of the airline.
The ITF’s global experiences show the success of airline privatisation hinges on including transport workers and unions in the transition process. By not engaging in constructive social dialogue, PIA risks its reputation as an employer leading to a potential fall in investment attractiveness.
We call on you to:
- Immediately halt the privatisation process until unions are fully involved in discussions.
- Guarantee PIA respects the rights of all employed workers.
- Ensure transparent and constructive dialogue between PIA management and unions.
By signing this petition, I stand in solidarity with PIA’s workforce, demanding that privatisation be halted immediately.