Report — 11–31 August 2022

Faisalabad strike wave: 40,000+ workers mobilize; wage and social-security concessions secured

Summary

Beginning 1 August 2022, more than 40,000 power-loom workers in Faisalabad struck for wage enforcement and social security. After roughly two to four weeks of actions—including marches and factory shutdowns—reports indicate a settlement featuring a wage increase (≈15%), commitments on social-security coverage, and steps on workplace conditions.

What was won & what follows

Accounts converge on upward wage adjustments and formalization promises; implementation typically requires factory-by-factory follow-through with PESSI/EOBI. For owners, clarity on enforceable wage baselines reduces later disputes, but the cost uptick must be offset through energy relief and productivity gains.

Implications for APPLA

• Launch a compliance clinic to help members register eligible workers, calculate contributions, and avoid penalties.
• Negotiate sequencing (phased implementation) and pair with energy-efficiency support to keep units viable.