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Demand Fair Wages, Labor Rights, and Environmental Protections for Pakistani Rice Workers Amid Export Boom
Related Article: Pakistan eyes bigger share in US rice market after Trump's 50 percent - arabnews.com - Friday, August 15, 2025, 7:29:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP)
Goal: We call on the Government of Pakistan, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), and all relevant authorities to guarantee fair labor standards, living wages, and robust environmental protections as the rice export sector expands.
Pakistan’s rice exports to the US are set to rise dramatically after the US government imposed a 50% tariff on Indian rice and lowered tariffs on Pakistani rice. This shift could see Pakistan’s rice exports to the US grow from 80,000 to 100,000 metric tons in a single year, and potentially much more if the trend continues.
However, this export-driven growth must not be achieved at the expense of the workers who power the rice industry or the environment that sustains it. Historically, agricultural workers in Pakistan have faced low wages, unsafe working conditions, and a lack of labor protections. Furthermore, the rice sector is vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation, as recent floods have shown.
We demand that the Government of Pakistan and REAP ensure that the benefits of this export boom are shared equitably. This means guaranteeing living wages, safe working conditions, collective bargaining rights, and gender equity for all workers, as well as investing in climate resilience and sustainable farming practices. We also call for greater transparency and traceability in the rice supply chain to ensure compliance with US FDA standards and to protect Pakistan’s reputation as a high-quality exporter.
Key Demands
- Guarantee living wages and safe working conditions for all rice sector workers, including seasonal and women workers.
- Enforce labor rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively.
- Invest in climate-resilient, sustainable agricultural practices to protect farmers and the environment.
- Increase transparency and traceability in the rice supply chain to ensure compliance with international standards and protect against exploitation.
- Support research and development for improved rice varieties and production methods, prioritizing smallholder farmers.
- Ensure that expanded exports do not lead to land grabs, displacement, or environmental harm in rural communities.
- Promote gender equity and protection from discrimination in all aspects of the rice sector.
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(C)opyright 2025 - TruthAndResistance.com
(C)opyright 2025 - TruthAndResistance.com