Lahore, The Punjab Labor and Human Resource Development Department is shifting its focus towards facilitating employers and workers in the implementation of labor laws, aiming for an inclusive approach rather than forceful enforcement.
According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, Muhammad Naeem Ghaus, Secretary of the Punjab Labor and Human Resource Development Department, spoke at the Tripartite Meeting for Promotion and Creating Awareness of the Multinational Enterprises Declaration (MNE Declaration) in Lahore. Ghaus highlighted the department’s goal to register more workers with the Punjab Social Security Institution, noting the current challenge of having only a small fraction of the 1.20 million registered workers. He invited suggestions from employers and workers and advocated for the formation of workers’ unions in sectors like construction and agriculture. He also announced the launch of a campaign to ensure the payment of minimum wages to workers.
Malik Tahir Javaid, President of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), emphasized the importance of the ILO Multinational Enterprises Declaration and its principles for fostering good industrial relations and protecting workers. He praised the collaboration between employers and workers, citing the Workers Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP) as a successful example of social dialogue. Javaid also advised employers to comply with all occupational safety and health (OSH) requirements.
Majyd Aziz, Former President of the EFP, stressed the need for employers and workers to be key stakeholders in formulating the National Industrial Policy. He advocated for Pakistan to ratify various ILO conventions, including those addressing occupational health and safety, and harassment and violence at the workplace.
Ch. Saad Nasim, General Secretary of the Pakistan Workers Federation Punjab, highlighted the role of MNED in ensuring workers’ rights and needs. He assured employers of the PWF’s continued support for industrial peace.
Rao Zahid, Deputy Secretary of the Punjab Labor Department, spoke about the importance of tripartism in the ILO and mentioned regular meetings of the Federal and Provincial Tripartite Coordination Councils to review labor law compliance and ensure industrial peace.
The meeting also featured presentations and discussions on best practices in labor relations, including a presentation by Dr. Javed Gill on MNED and insights from Sidra Sarfaraz of Packages Ltd on the company’s practices promoting employee well-being and excellence. Aima Mehmood, a Workers’ nominee on the PESSI Governing Body, called for equal opportunities for all genders and social security benefits for retired workers. Representatives from various labor unions demanded the application of labor laws to contract workers and the right for all workers to form unions.
The event, coordinated by Ghulam Mustafa Tabassum of the EFP Lahore Office, showcased a commitment from various stakeholders to improve industrial relations and labor law compliance in Pakistan.