* CM urges landlords, industrialists and entrepreneurs to take measures for workers’ welfare

LAHORE: There is a need for rising above personal interests to ensure social and economic justice to avert a bloody revolution, Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday.

He was speaking at a function held in connection with the ‘World Day for Safety and Health at Work’ and the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 90th anniversary at the Bukhtiar Labour Hall.

Poverty alleviation: He urged the people to uphold the rights and dignity of labourers and workers because honour and self-respect was as important as economic prosperity. He urged industrialists, entrepreneurs and landlords to take effective measures for the welfare of workers and their families so they could make vital contributions to the country’s economy. The CM said it was the duty of the ruling classes to safeguard the interests of labourers so they are not compelled to protest and hold strikes. He said provision of socio-economic justice was the foremost priority of the Punjab government, adding that all available resources would be utilised for this purpose.

He appreciated the services rendered by the ILO in maintaining balanced relations between labourers and entrepreneurs. He said the ILO was promoting the culture of increasing productive capacity.

Shahbaz said leaders of the labourers should extend full support to the Punjab government for the success of the sasti roti programme. He said they should constitute committees to submit proposals regarding improvements in the programme. He said the Punjab government would provide flour to these committees for the benefit of the workers. ILO Country Director Donglin Li said world peace depended upon social justice and economic development. He said the ILO was striving for the safety of workers across the globe. Employees Federation head Ashraf Tabani said the purpose of celebrating this day was to save industrial workers from mishaps and diseases.

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