Ship Recycling : Unsafe working condition in Pakistan claims two life
In a distressing turn of events, the perilous working conditions prevailing in Pakistan’s shipbreaking yards have claimed yet more lives. This time, the victims are Qasim and Mustafa, workers involved in the dismantling of the 26-year-old bulk carrier ship, Catherine Bright, registered in Panama. The incident occurred at yard no. 60, shedding light on the persisting unsafe environment that has led to numerous preventable deaths over the years.
The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), an affiliate of IndustriALL and the organizer of shipbreaking workers in Pakistan, has brought attention to the alarming lack of safety precautions in the yards. Shockingly, workers are compelled to carry out their duties without proper safety gear, exposing them to grave risks. The NTUF reported that Qasim and Mustafa’s bodies were hastily buried in the dead of night, without any post-mortem examination or criminal investigation.
Nasir Mansoor, the president of NTUF, voiced the union’s concerns, stating that the shipbreaking yards in Gadani are operating as lawless zones. He emphasized the absence of safety protocols and highlighted collusions between yard owners, law enforcement, and government authorities to conceal the true causes behind these incidents. Mansoor demanded a thorough investigation into the events at yard no. 60, urging accountability for those responsible.
Adding to the urgency of the situation is Pakistan’s recent ratification of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), set to come into effect in June 2025. The HKC mandates that countries adhere to specific standards, requiring upgrades to infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and waste disposal mechanisms at shipbreaking yards.
Atle Høie, the general secretary of IndustriALL, expressed dismay over the loss of two lives due to the absence of safety measures in the workplace. He called upon the Pakistani government to prioritize workplace safety in shipbreaking yards, especially in light of the recent ratification of the HKC. Høie emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of workers in this hazardous industry.
Catherine Bright. The ship, registered in Panama, became the backdrop for another instance of preventable deaths in the country’s shipbreaking yards, shedding light on the hazardous working conditions prevailing in the industry.
The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), an affiliate of IndustriALL that represents shipbreaking workers in Pakistan, revealed that laborers in these yards are forced to work without proper safety gear, underscoring a grave lapse in workplace safety. Shockingly, the bodies of the deceased workers were hastily buried in the middle of the night, with no subsequent post-mortem or criminal investigation conducted.
Nasir Mansoor, president of NTUF, condemned the current state of affairs, stating, “Gadani shipbreaking yards are operating as zones devoid of law. There is no implementation of safety protocols, and we often witness collusions between yard owners, police, and government authorities to conceal the real causes behind these incidents and shield the true culprits from punishment. We demand a thorough investigation into the incident at yard no. 60.”
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Mansoor’s concerns reflect the larger issue of the lack of enforcement of safety measures in shipbreaking yards. The collusion between yard owners, law enforcement, and government officials perpetuates a dangerous environment, contributing to the rising number of fatalities in the industry.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the NTUF’s call for a proper investigation is not only a demand for justice for the deceased workers but also a plea to rectify the systemic issues plaguing the shipbreaking industry in Pakistan.
Compounding the problem, the recent ratification of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) by Pakistan, set to come into force in June 2025, makes the need for reform even more pressing. The HKC mandates that countries adhere to specific standards, requiring upgrades to infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and waste disposal mechanisms in shipbreaking yards to ensure the safety and well-being of workers.
