President Asif Ali Zardari, as advised by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, has assented to and signed the Industrial Relations Bill, 2012, which has now been enacted as a law. The enactment of Industrial Relations Bill is a landmark achievement of the democratic government, a statement from the PM House said.
The protection of the rights of labour was part of the Pakistan People's Party manifesto in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has always endeavoured to ensure a balance between the employer and the employees and this Bill will promote harmony amongst them besides protecting the rights of labour community.
The Industrial Relations Bill, 2012 originated in the Senate and was passed by it on March 7. The National Assembly also passed the Bill on March 14 without any amendment. The Bill seeks to consolidate and rationalise the law in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and in the trans-provincial level.