The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) extends its support to its affiliate organisation, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), in its campaign to secure all back wages and special bonus payments due prior to the festive occasion of Eid-ul Fitr.
The IFJ is alarmed at the growing distress within Pakistan’s community of journalists on account of the continuing default on wage payments by the country’s media houses, including some of the most renowned and profitable enterprises.
The PFUJ has resolved on a campaign of protests and demonstrations, including work stoppages and picketing of media offices. Some of the media houses reportedly have not paid wages for more than four months. The honoured convention that deferred wages would be paid as a bonus during Eid is also in danger of being violated.
The IFJ calls for an investigation by empowered authorities into the finances of four identified TV broadcasters, which according to the PFUJ have not paid salaries since January 2010. The summary dismissal of an estimated 510 employees by media houses – in both the broadcast and print sectors – also needs to be investigated.
“Pakistan’s journalists have faced numerous challenges with great courage over recent years,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.
“The least that their employers can do is to provide them the recognition that is due, minimally by giving them a fair wage deal.”
For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919
The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 125 countries
Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific