PSAC-SJF lends hand to workers' earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan

The PSAC Social Justice Fund has approved a donation of $20,000 towards the earthquake relief efforts of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF).

The massive earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, tore through Pakistan on October 8, 2005, and also affected areas in Afghanistan and Indian-controlled Kashmir. This has been by far the biggest disaster in Pakistan history, with over 75,000 casualties and millions left homeless. As winter settles into the mountainous Kashmir region, many people still lack adequate shelter and must spend their nights exposed to rain, hail and freezing weather.

In response to the disaster, the PWF has been involved in a number of rescue operations, from helping those trapped in debris, recovering and burying bodies, to providing tents, food and water to survivors. The calamity has surpassed the government's ability to respond to it on its own. The trade union movement and the whole civil society have played a very important role in the relief effort and now are poised to work on the rehabilitation of villagers, including reconstructing homes and creating employment possibilities for those who have lost their livelihood. The PWF appeal was sent out by the Canadian Labour Congress and the Public Service International.

We stand in solidarity with the PWF in their efforts to rebuild essential infrastructure, assure a more equitable distribution of resources, protect social rights and build a more just society for future generations.