On 11th June, the United Carpet Industries Labour Union brought out 20,000 workers in Lahore, closing all 130 workplaces in the city. Red flags flew outside occupied factories and above the four union "strike camps". A demonstration was held in temperatures of 40 degrees. The Lahore strikers are giving hope to Pakistan's 80,000 carpet workers.
After 30 years without striking, workers are now demanding not only substantial wage rises but the implementation of labour laws in the industry, retirement pay, increases to protect their health and safety and an end to child labour. The average wage, RsI600 ($40) a month, has not changed for three years while prices have risen more than 200%. Labouring long hours without protection, carpet workers' health suffers: chemicals used in the washing process burn the skin and cutting room dust goes straight into the lungs.