The Daily Strife of Kiln Workers in Pakistan

Iftikhar Ahmed

Faisalabad: In the face of a global economic slowdown and rising prices, workers across the world, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, are grappling with harsh realities. 

Among them, brick kiln workers are enduring severe exploitation despite the booming industry they support.

Capitalist practices often leave these workers to toil tirelessly for minimal wages, receiving only a fraction of the substantial profits generated by their employers. This stark disparity forces them to go to extraordinary lengths just to provide for their families.

The brick kiln industry, which flourishes with significant economic returns, stands in stark contrast to the plight of its workers. Many brick kiln laborers and their families are deprived of basic necessities and subjected to harsh working conditions.

Despite the industry’s success, these workers continue to face dire circumstances, highlighting the urgent need for improved labor rights and better working conditions.

In the brick kiln industry, workers are categorized into six distinct roles: Munshis (accountants), Jalai Walas (firemen), Bharai Walas (brick setters), Nakasi Walas (brick excavators), Jamadars (sweepers), and Patheras (brick molders). Among these, Patheras are reported as the most vulnerable, akin to Jalai Walas and Nakasi Walas, due to their harsh working and living conditions.

According to Akbar Ali, a kiln worker, Patheras face severe hardships, living on-site with their families under minimal facilities. They work long hours to meet the demands of kiln owners and are often bound by debt bondage, which forces their families to work under similarly grueling conditions. “Not only do they work till odd hours, but their situation is compounded by debt bondage,” Akbar explains.

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Jalai Walas and Nakasi Walas also endure difficult conditions. While their work hours may be shorter than those of brick molders, their tasks are dangerous, involving exposure to fire and hazardous conditions. Despite the risks, these workers are frequently paid below the minimum wages set by the government.

Munshis, though somewhat better off due to their literacy, are still part of the problematic labor system. The rest of the workers are generally illiterate or less educated.

Despite being registered with institutions such as the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution (PESSI), Employees’ Old-age Benefits Institution (EOBI), and the Workers’ Welfare Fund, many kiln workers remain unaware of the benefits available to them.

Kiln owners often evade their mandatory contributions, sometimes resorting to bribery to avoid compliance. This non-registration denies workers access to health coverage, education for their children, and other social benefits like marriage and death grants.

Ghulam Shabbir Kalyar, Director Labor West Faisalabad, claims that there are 478 brick kilns in the district, with 21,632 registered kiln workers. He asserts that these workers are entitled to incentives and facilities equivalent to those provided to industrial workers. The Punjab government is reportedly committed to ensuring these rights, with measures in place for minimum wage enforcement and various grants.

Social activist Rana Muhammad Azam Khan, who has closely observed the lives of kiln workers, highlights the pervasive issues of illiteracy and ignorance among these workers. “Their lives are miserable, largely due to their lack of education and awareness of their rights,” Khan notes. Many workers borrow money from kiln owners, falling into a cycle of debt that is difficult to escape.

Khan also points out that some NGOs exploit the situation, obtaining grants meant for kiln workers’ welfare but failing to provide adequate support. While some philanthropists and NGOs are working to improve conditions, much more needs to be done.

In light of these challenges, there is a call for stricter government intervention. It is crucial to enforce existing laws, ensure kiln owners meet their obligations, and implement comprehensive reforms to improve the conditions and rights of kiln workers.