A session was organized at the office of the Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research (PILER) to review the progress on the proposed Labor Code in Punjab and Sindh.
The session included prominent labor leaders from Sindh, along with Abbas Haider (Joint Director, PILER), Dr. Azeem (Professor at Lahore University of Management Sciences), senior trade unionists Habibuddin Junaidi and Qamar-ul-Hasan, among other participants.
Dr. Azeem provided insights into the progress of the Labor Code in Punjab and highlighted the concerns raised by labor organizations.
He noted that no tripartite consultation was held prior to the introduction of the proposed labor law in either province.
This undemocratic approach, he argued, violates ILO Convention 144. Dr. Azeem further criticized the proposed Labor Code, stating that it appears to safeguard the global capitalist system.
He pointed out that the government, in presenting Draft 5 of the labor code, ignored recommendations from the Punjab Anti-Labor Code Alliance and removed key sections, such as the non-discrimination clause.
Mr. Qamar-ul-Hasan briefed the participants on the developments regarding the Labour Code in Sindh and the stance of labor organizations.
He described the structure of the Labor Code as complex and manipulated, emphasizing the need to safeguard workers’ rights and interests.
Despite perceptions that the labor movement in Pakistan has weakened, Qamar-ul-Hasan praised the courage and strength demonstrated by Labour organizations.
He stressed that the right of association is a fundamental right that cannot be curtailed, reduced, or eliminated. Workers should have the freedom to form or join unions of their own choice, whether at the provincial or national level.
The participants unanimously agreed on the need for nationwide consultations regarding the Labor Code.
It was decided to establish an alliance comprising labor organizations, legal experts, civil society, and academia to propose an alternative Labor Code that simplifies labor laws and aligns them with contemporary needs.
In response to the ongoing challenges, PILER has taken the responsibility to convene a meeting of the National Labor Council (NLC) soon, aiming to move forward toward a nationwide alliance.
Renowned trade unionist Habibuddin Junaidi termed the session highly productive.
All attendees emphasized the importance of tripartite consultations and resolved that a nationwide alliance and joint strategy is imperative for addressing the challenges posed by the proposed Labor Code.
