For many years, clerical and non-clerical workers in Pakistan’s banking sector were not recognized as official employees. They were categorized as contract workers through third-party service providers, often owned by the banks themselves. Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), a major bank for agriculture and rural development, followed this practice until December 2, 2022, when the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) ordered ZTBL to recognize these workers as permanent employees.
The ZTBL Union played a crucial role in advocating for these legally marginalized workers. Despite winning the case, progress was initially slow due to resistance from ZTBL management. It took two more years of negotiation before ZTBL officially recognized 24 workers as permanent employees on April 24, 2025. The bank also agreed to regularize their employment based on their actual join date rather than the court order date.
“This decision not only ensures justice but also protects the workers’ rightful seniority and associated benefits,” stated Malik Muhammad Ismail, General Secretary of ZTBL Union.
Rajendra Acharya, UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary, commented on the union’s efforts: “The story of the ZTBL Union is a powerful example of union solidarity and unwavering persistence to improve workers’ lives. In the recent climate of general anxiety and uncertainty, this win is a welcome reminder that determined collective action can still lead to real change.”
Following this decision, the union has encouraged the newly regularized employees to join its ranks and continues to receive membership applications. The union is also working on new legal cases to ensure all eligible workers are recognized, with approximately 3,400 third-party workers still awaiting recognition at ZTBL.
This local success highlights ongoing efforts to enhance protections for precarious bank workers across Pakistan. The ZTBL Union is part of the Pakistan Bank Insurance & Financial Employees Federation (PBIFEF), affiliated with UNI Global Union. The victory in 2022 motivated PBIFEF to focus on including contractual and part-time workers within the banking industry during its 3rd Delegate Conference. Additionally, it aims to involve more women in organizing roles within unions.
