Due to disabling legislation and repressive practices, unionization is on decline and union activities, particularly collective bargaining, have become increasingly difficult. At present, according to an estimate, less than five per cent of the workers in the formal sector are unionized. Officially the formal sector accounts for only 30 per cent of the employment outside agriculture. Although Pakistan's Industrial Relations laws provides for the right of industrial workers to form trade unions but union organizers are subject to a variety restrictions that hinder their activities and effectiveness. Many workers enjoy limited trade union rights, and the right to strike is circumscribed by excessive restrictions. In practice, trade union rights are often violated. Several trade union … [Read more...]