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18 October, 2010
The ICEM affiliated Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF) reports that the provincial government of Balochistan has passed new labour legislation which does not fulfil its requirements to protect workers in the region.
Up until 30 April 2010 the Industrial Relations Act of 2008 (IRA-2008) governed labour relations throughout Pakistan. However on 30 April that legislation was suspended after its 18th amendment. The provinces of Pakistan were then empowered to pass their own laws.
The Balochistan Industrial Relations Ordinance 2010 was announced after no consultation with employees, where consensus is required from all stakeholders, employers, employees, and government.
Secretary General of the PCMLF, Mr. Sultan Muhammad Khan
As trade unionists were angered by the local government’s actions, a press conference was conducted, 8 October, in Quetta, Northern Pakistan, by the head of the All Pakistan Labour Federation (APLF) and the Secretary General of the PCMLF, Mr. Sultan Muhammad Khan.
Mr. Muhammad Khan issued the following demands to local government:
• Do not pass new provincial labour legislation without consensus of the stakeholders – Employers, Employees, Government
• Improve the law and order situation in the province
• Create new Industrial Zones in the province to reduce unemployment
• Register all mine workers with the Welfare authorities
• All mine owners must be forced to pay all government welfare contributions
• Improve health and safety conditions at work in the province