Labour policy is a time-bound blueprint formulated by the state in consultations with other stakeholders that defines broader principles and guidelines related to the world of work and workers' rights. A labour policy, in its essence, affirms economic, social and political rights guaranteed to all citizens by the country's constitution and the international covenants and ILO conventions. It suggests a concrete road map to legislative reforms. Labour Policy 2010 announced on 1 May was noted by analysts as grossly deficient on all accounts. It fell short of a policy document, lacking in research and insights on ground realities and ignorant of the government's own past and current initiatives. Constitutional experts raised the question of its validity after the abolition of the concurrent … [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...]