Freedom of association The right to association is guaranteed by Article 17 of the Pakistani Constitution imparting on every citizen the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan, public order or morality. Under Industrial Relations Acts enacted by provincial governments, workers as well as employers in any establishment or industry have the right to establish and to join associations of their own choosing, subject to respect of the law. Both workers' and employers' organizations have the right to establish and join federations and confederations and any such organization, federation or confederation shall have the right to affiliate with international organizations and confederations … [Read more...]
Labour Protection Policy 2006
FOREWORD The Challenge Pakistan’s enterprises face formidable competition in international and regional markets, thereby creating a need to be increasingly cost efficient and price and quality competitive. At the same time, Pakistan seeks to improve working conditions and the environment in which work takes place, thereby requiring its enterprises to give greater attention to labour protection issues. Employers seek greater flexibility in the nation’s labour markets as a means to reduce unit labour costs and improve their competitive situations. Workers seek greater rewards for their productive efforts through improved working conditions, a safer working environment and better social security arrangements, all of which have the potential to raise labour costs and reduce the … [Read more...]
Labour Policy 2010
PREFACE Since creation of Pakistan, five labour polices have been announced by the governments in the year 1955, 1959, 1969, 1972 and 2002. All these polices basically laid-down the parameters for the growth of trade unionism; the protection of workers’ rights; the settlement of industrial disputes and redressal of worker grievances. After 2002, no Labour Policy has been introduced although a number of developments took place in the intervening period, which would have necessitated the same. In this scenario the Prime Minister of Pakistan in his first speech emphasized the need to address the labour issues and announced the lifting of ban on trade unionism, repeal of Industrial Relations Ordinance, 2002, Removal from Service (Special Powers) Ordinance, 2000 and other anti labour laws. … [Read more...]