In 1976, multiple sector unions reportedly began working together, including:

• Brick kiln workers unions
• WAPDA labour unions(Electricity)
• Powerloom workers unions
• Boon crushing industry employees unions

They agreed on common goals such as:

• Ending slavery, forced and bonded labour
• Eliminating child labour
• Improving workplace health and safety
• Demanding social protections (pensions, healthcare, education, housing, and food security)

2. Formation of Federation (1977)

In 1977, these groups reportedly united into one platform:

• Federation of United Trade Unions

This federation was registered with the Government of Pakistan and formally organized through a founding congress held on 21 December 1979.

3. Expansion of Struggle (1980s–1990s)

the federation continued organizing struggles in Pakistan’s private industrial sectors, focusing on:

• Bonded and forced labour abolition
• Child labour eradication
• Women’s labour rights
• Worker welfare protections

4. Renaming and Legal Advocacy (1992)

In 1992, the federation changed its name to:

• All Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions

In the same year,  the Government of Pakistan passed the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1992, influenced by demands from this federation.

5. International and National Campaigns (1995)

• The Global March Against Child Labour (1995) came to Pakistan
• The federation reportedly hosted an event in Gujrat during this campaign
• Continued pressure was placed on child labour issues nationwide

6. Later Legal and Policy Impact (2016–2018)

• Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Act (2016)
• Punjab Labour Policy (2018)

These were part of long-term campaigning on brick kiln and informal sector labour conditions.

7. Ongoing Role

 the federation:

• Remains an independent trade union center
• Participates in provincial and federal labour committees
• Advocates for poor and marginalized workers
• Works across industrial sectors in Pakistan
• Uses the slogan:  “Don’t burn and destroy; build and improve.” 

the current leadership of the All Pakistan Federation of United Trade Unions (APFUTU), elected in October 2025.