The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the JS Group’s illegal sacking without notice or pay of more than 100 staff at Pakistan’s Business Day newspaper.
According to IFJ affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), the Karachi-based national English daily was closed suddenly on February 27.
All staff were reportedly locked out of the paper’s premises. Many had worked at the paper for more than four years.
“The IFJ is appalled by the complete disregard shown by Business Day’s owners for their staff and for Pakistan’s labour laws, and demands that governing authorities hold the owners accountable in accordance with the law and common decency,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.
The PFUJ deplored the failure of Pakistan’s Labour Department to take action against the paper’s owners, saying the sackings and lock-out were illegal and contrary to the provisions of labour laws.
JS Group did not seek permission from the department before locking out staff, although the law requires that such action be notified to the department and await a labour court ruling, the PFUJ said.
The newspaper began publication almost four years ago with promises of ensuring quality journalism by providing a fair working environment and decent wages for its staff.
The IFJ joins the PFUJ in demanding that the Sindh provincial government take immediate action to make the paper’s owners comply with labour laws against arbitrary dismissal and to ensure full and just compensation to all Business Day employees.
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries