Analyzing the Labour Issues in Pakistan: a historical background of Labour Laws and Labour Unions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.2421-2695/7577Keywords:
Labour law in Pakistan, Labour Unions in Pakistan, Historical backgroundAbstract
The study explores the historical development of labour laws in Pakistan during different military and democratic governments. The paper discusses the constitutional framework, international obligations and ILO conventions with regard to country’s labour laws.
However, the substantial focus is on the representation and problems faced by the labour unions, implementation of labour laws, Occupational Health and Safety of Labourers at workplace and low women participation in trade unions.
The study reveals that the country has an exhaustive structure of labour legislation but practically, the labour laws are exploitive and discriminatory. Registration of Trans-Provincial establishments is unclear and constitutional right of formation of trade union has been suspended in the provinces.
Serious Occupational health and safety issues at workplaces have been witnessed resulting in loss of several precious lives.
Women membership is extremely low in trade unions mainly owing to their distrust on union leaders and fear of losing job, and they receive fewer benefits as compared to their male counterparts. The labour laws exclude the agricultural sector- the biggest employment sector in the country- from its scope.References
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