Pakistan Ship Breaking: Trade Union Leaders Demand Justice and Safety Reforms
On the sombre eighth anniversary of the devastating Gadani shipbreaking disaster, trade union leaders gathered to remember the victims and push for long-overdue reforms. The tragic explosion on November 1, 2016, claimed the lives of 29 workers and left 54 others injured when a decommissioned oil tanker, ACES, exploded during dismantling at the Gadani shipbreaking yard, one of the largest shipbreaking facilities in the world.
The incident highlighted not only the high risks faced by workers in this hazardous industry but also the inadequate safety measures in place. On Friday, leaders from the Gadani Shipbreaking Workers Union (GSBWU) and the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) held a press conference to honor the victims and renew their demands for improved working conditions, fair remuneration, and meaningful compensation for the families of those affected by the disaster.
Remembering the Tragedy
In 2016, the fire on the ACES oil tanker burned for three harrowing days, illuminating the scale of the tragedy and the shortcomings in the government’s response to industrial disasters of this magnitude. The explosion, which could be seen from miles away, resulted from a lack of proper safety protocols. Experts believe that gas trapped inside the vessel ignited during the dismantling process, triggering a catastrophic explosion.
The aftermath of the disaster was chaotic. Emergency services struggled to contain the blaze and rescue trapped workers, while survivors were left grappling with both physical and psychological trauma. The incident drew national and international attention to the unsafe conditions that Gadani workers face daily.
NTUF General Secretary Nasir Mansoor spoke passionately about the tragedy during the press conference, calling it a “failure of the state and industry.” Mansoor reminded attendees that, while Gadani had been a prominent shipbreaking hub with 141 vessels dismantled in 2016, the industry has since seen a significant decline. According to Mansoor, this decrease is largely due to the lack of safety standards and minimal government support, which has driven both investors and workers away from the industry.
Industry Risks and Fatality Rates
Shipbreaking is a dangerous industry worldwide, but Gadani’s casualty rate remains especially high compared to other regional countries like India and Bangladesh. The work involves handling hazardous materials such as asbestos, oil, and toxic chemicals, which often remain in the vessels even after they are decommissioned. Workers must operate in confined spaces and at considerable heights, often without adequate protective gear, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
For years, trade unions have been pressing the government and industry stakeholders to establish better safety protocols, such as mandatory inspections, improved equipment, and proper training for workers. However, progress has been slow. According to NTUF leaders, the Gadani shipbreaking yard continues to operate with minimal safety oversight, and few measures have been implemented to prevent another disaster like the one in 2016.
In addition to safety concerns, Gadani workers face a range of labour issues, including low wages, lack of healthcare, and precarious employment terms. Many workers come from underprivileged backgrounds and have limited bargaining power, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Demands for Reform and Justice
During Friday’s press conference, trade union leaders presented a detailed charter of demands aimed at addressing the pressing issues faced by Gadani workers. These demands include immediate compensation for the families of the 2016 disaster victims, who have reportedly received little support despite initial promises. The union leaders also called for fair wages, improved working conditions, and stronger labor protections across the shipbreaking industry.
“We cannot let the memories of our fallen brothers fade away,” said Nasir Mansoor. “Their families deserve justice, and the workers who continue to risk their lives every day deserve better. We need the government and industry stakeholders to take responsibility and make tangible changes.”
In their charter of demands, the unions outlined specific safety measures they believe are necessary to prevent future tragedies. These measures include enforcing regular inspections of all ships before they are dismantled, providing workers with adequate personal protective equipment, and ensuring that emergency response teams are on standby during high-risk operations. They also proposed mandatory training programs for all workers to better prepare them for the hazards they face on the job.
A Call for Government Intervention
The NTUF and GSBWU have long argued that the government’s involvement in the shipbreaking industry is insufficient and that more oversight and support are crucial to ensuring worker safety. The unions contend that Gadani, which once contributed significantly to the local economy, is being neglected at the cost of workers’ lives and livelihoods. While other countries with thriving shipbreaking industries have made strides in implementing safety reforms, Gadani continues to lag due to a lack of political will and financial investment.
“The government must understand that these workers are citizens who deserve the same level of protection as anyone else,” said Mansoor. “Neglecting their safety is not only a moral failure but a violation of their fundamental rights.”
The unions’ charter also calls for the establishment of a comprehensive compensation fund for victims of industrial accidents. This fund, they argue, would provide immediate financial relief to families affected by accidents, without them having to navigate bureaucratic obstacles. The unions believe that this measure could help foster trust between the government, industry, and workers, which is currently strained due to repeated incidents and unfulfilled promises of reform.
The Decline of the Gadani Shipbreaking Industry
Once a bustling center for shipbreaking, Gadani’s decline has been stark. Despite the yard’s potential, investment has dwindled in recent years, largely due to safety concerns, lack of modernization, and intense competition from other countries with better safety records. Local stakeholders fear that without substantial reform, the industry could face an even sharper downturn, leading to economic hardship for thousands of families who rely on it for income.
Union leaders believe that implementing stronger safety measures could help revitalize the industry by attracting both skilled workers and investors. They argue that reforming the industry to meet international standards would not only protect workers but also enhance Gadani’s global competitiveness.
A Long Road Ahead
While Friday’s press conference highlighted the urgency of these reforms, many remain skeptical about whether the government and industry stakeholders will take action. Past efforts to improve safety standards in Gadani have often been met with resistance, as shipbreaking companies cite high costs and logistical challenges.
Nonetheless, union leaders remain committed to their cause. They pledged to continue advocating for change through legal channels, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international labour organizations.
“The fight is far from over,” said a GSBWU representative. “We owe it to the fallen workers and their families to keep pushing for justice and safety. Gadani’s shipbreaking industry can no longer afford to treat its workers as expendable. The time for reform is now.”
As Gadani marks the eighth anniversary of one of its darkest days, the calls for accountability and reform are louder than ever. The memory of the ACES explosion serves as a grim reminder of the dangers workers face and the price of inaction. For the families of those lost and the thousands who continue to work at Gadani, the hope remains that their pleas for safer working conditions will finally be met.
