Polyester uniforms do not reflect the weather in Pakistan: a threat to working conditions.
Author: Noor Nazir
"My uniform is made of pure polyester. Only my God and I know what's going on inside my body. It is like hell fire," Aslam Noor – a security guard – states. Several guards are victims of heat-strokes and other diseases on account of wearing polyester uniforms while working 12 hour shifts in the scorching sun. This is a nationwide issue that affects several workers on a daily basis; security guards, police, traffic wardens, janitorial staff and the army on check-posts are all seen wearing uniforms made of polyester, causing ever-lasting issues. On a realistic level, there is no such Pakistani law that ensures uniforms worn by workers reflect the weather.
Especially amidst continuous heat waves faced by our country during the months of April and July.
While various platforms have tried to raise their voice for these workers - no action has been taken.
Why do corporations use polyester?
The predominant reason lies behind financial incentive and durability. Cotton is much more expensive than polyester and moreover, is less prone to distress. Given the minimum wage payment of these workers, companies need to work strategically; usually they are the ones providing these uniforms. Whether it’s public servants or private employees of large companies, the cheaper option is polyester.
What should we do about this?
It must be noted that a crucial reason why companies take advantage of this opportunity is because there is no law in Pakistan that ensures uniforms reflect weather. Therefore, it’s imperative that us Pakistani’s add social pressure to the government in order to protect the working conditions of these employees. In addition to this, the government and companies should collaborate in order to find a solution; polyester uniforms are a health hazard and they worsen working conditions.
Guards like Aslam Noor suffer on a daily basis and are prone to several diseases – we must unite in order to fight against such cruelty.