President Mamnoon Hussain has said that all claims of development remain meaningless until the vulnerable working class is emancipated and empowered. In his message on the Labour Day, the President said a contended and satisfied labour force is central to the production cycle and national development.
President Mamnoon said the Labour Day on the first day of May every year symbolizes the sanctity and dignity of labour. He said while this day reminds of the Chicago martyrs and their struggle against oppression, it also provides an opportunity to renew commitment for ensuring the rights of workers for decent, safe and healthy work environment.
He said the welfare of labour is a priority matter for the government. He expressed satisfaction over the number of practical steps taken over the past few years for improving the condition of the workers which included reinstatement of sacked employees, regularization of contract and daily wage earners, empowering the workers to seek legal remedies against any unlawful dismissals, restoration of trade union activities, increase in minimum pension, promulgation of Industrial Relations Act, 2012 and making workers and employees share-holders in the state-run entities.
The President said the struggle for workers' rights is far from over and said there is still a long way to go in addressing issues relating to exploitation of workers, child and forced labour, and representation of workers in legislative assemblies etc.
He said as a result of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the subject of labour had been devolved to the provinces. He expressed confidence that the provinces were aware of their responsibilities for putting in place appropriate legislative and administrative mechanisms to ensure protection of workers' rights.