Ministry to set up cell for labour policy implementation

The Ministry of Labour Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis is considering a proposal to establish a separate cell for the implementation of Labour Policy 2002 in its entirety. Well-placed official sources told Business Recorder here on Friday the decision had been taken after reports that labour unions from across the country had decided to seek Prime Minister's help for implementation of the policy.
The sources said many provisions of the policy, that was formulated some two years back when Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani was the labour minister, were not implemented.
These sources said the most important provision of the policy was the decision that government would review the minimum wage of industrial workers after every two years.
But, contrary to what the government committed at the time of policy announcement, the minimum wage of the industrial workers had not been reviewed since 2001, the sources added.
The minimum wage was set at Rs 2,500 in 2001 and as a policy provision it was to be reviewed in 2003 but the government had failed to do so despite pressing demands of the labour unions to raise it at least up to Rs 4,000.
According to action plan, the government also committed the laws relating to industrial relations would be revised in the light of constitutional provision and international labour standards.
But once again the government is lagging far behind in fulfilling its commitment. Despite introduction of new 'workers friendly' laws it had failed to repeal 'controversial' Industrial Relations Ordinance (IRO) 2002 about which labour unions have many reservations.
Similarly, the government had also failed to fulfill its promises for introduction a 'comprehensive' social insurance scheme and establishment of model schools for the children of low paid workers.
The sources said the proposed implementation cell would comprise officials of the ministry and legal consultants. The cell would carry out necessary spadework in consultation with all stakeholders to make sure implementation of the policy.
Asked whether the ministry would seek provision of required funds from the finance division for establishment of cell, the sources said any decision in that regard would be taken later.