Amid growing global challenges to economic, political, social, and environmental security, enhancing Public Emergency Services (PES) has become essential, with a focus on ensuring decent work and safeguarding the rights of emergency workers. Supported by PSI, WERO organised four provincial consultations in Pakistan to discuss climate change, workers' rights, and emergency response gaps.

At the workshop in Karachi, experts shared insights on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), with a focus on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), the rights to organise and bargain collectively, gender equality, social protection, social dialogue, and environmental considerations.

Recommendations

The workers’ consultations generated key recommendations across four focus areas.

On climate change, participants emphasized expanding public transport, developing rural infrastructure to reduce urban migration, launching tree plantation drives, and integrating climate considerations into development planning.

To improve Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) and decent work during emergencies, they called for unrestricted freedom of association, regular employment for public sector workers, worker representation in legislative bodies, workplace health and safety, and compliance with ILO conventions.

Regarding health and safety during emergencies, they stressed the need for targeted protections for high-risk workers such as those in Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rescue 1122, lady health workers, and irrigation staff.

For social protection, they recommended safeguarding emergency workers—especially women—from harassment and harm, ensuring protective equipment, and extending social security to families of vulnerable workers, including those affected by child labor.

Conclusion

Participants found the seminar highly valuable for public service unions, as it enhanced their understanding of workers’ rights during emergencies, aiding future training and advocacy efforts. They strongly supported the continuation of such training programs by WERO in collaboration with PSI.