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30 July, 2024IndustriALL Global Union is calling on the government of Pakistan, along with the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh, to uphold tripartide principles and ensure that the proposed labour law amendments do not violate workers' rights.
The provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab are currently amalgamating existing labour laws into unified labour codes. According to IndustriALL’s affiliates in Pakistan, these proposed amendments will undermine the hard-won rights of workers. The new laws are expected to increase precarious employment conditions and limit workers' rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. These anti-worker changes will further jeopardize the situation of working people who are already struggling with a severe cost of living crisis amid the country’s current economic and social challenges.
Affiliates also report that the governments of Punjab and Sindh have failed to hold constructive social dialogue with key stakeholders, including trade unions. As a result, workers’ concerns have been entirely disregarded in the legislative reform process. Undermining the tripartite structure could lead to increased exploitation of workers and a significant decline in their quality of life.
Atle Hoie, IndustriALL’s general secretary, stated in a letter to the government:
“We urge the government of Pakistan, along with the governments of Punjab and Sindh, to engage in social dialogue with trade unions, including IndustriALL’s affiliates, to address workers' concerns regarding the proposed legislative changes and ensure that the new law does not adversely impact workers’ rights.”
Affiliates in Pakistan have appealed to the Government of Pakistan to respect international labour standards, including ILO Convention 144 on Tripartite Consultation, and to strengthen the framework of labour administration and inspection systems. Pakistan has ratified ILO Convention 144, as well as eight out of the ten core conventions of the ILO.
IndustriALL emphasizes the urgent need for the Pakistani government to respect workers' rights and engage in meaningful dialogue with trade unions to ensure that any changes to labour laws protect and enhance the rights and welfare of workers.
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