Quantcast

Pakistani bank union secures employee recognition for contract workers

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Pakistani bank union secures employee recognition for contract workers
Webp rjukw9k1rk4u04msq37u95hwnxw6
Ioanna Barla Head of Finance & Administration | UNI Global Union

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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Crypto.com to explore the integration of Crypto.com Pay as a payment option for its customers.

Jul 9, 2025

The National Right to Work Foundation has filed an amicus brief with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals in the case of Abbotsford Education Association v. Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission.

Jul 9, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that a union employee at its Schiller Park, Illinois facility has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking a vote to remove Unite Here Local 1 as the union representative for the...

Jul 8, 2025

The Lincoln Airport is set to embark on one of its most significant projects with the reconstruction of its runway.

Jul 8, 2025

Air New Zealand has launched Dream Seats, a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting New Zealanders in pursuing their dreams.

Jul 8, 2025

dnata Catering & Retail has entered into a management contract with PT IAS Hospitality Indonesia (IASH) to enhance the inflight catering business at Denpasar International Airport.

Jul 8, 2025