The Controversial draft Labour Code 2024 fails to simplify and harmonize labour laws in Punjab and Sindh, as the definitions of worker and employer are overly complicated, likely resulting in lengthy legal disputes. Labour Alliance Anti- Punjab Labour Code
The draft, prepared with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), seems to contradict key ILO conventions.
Specifically, it goes against Convention No. 144 on Tripartite Consultation and Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise. Additionally, it conflicts with Article 17 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees the right to form associations.
Addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club, Labour Leaders said: By seeking to legalize the system of agency and contract workers, the draft labour code 2024 effectively undermines permanent employment and job security, promoting the exploitation of working conditions and wages.
The draft’s provision to legalize the contracting and advance payment system risks exacerbating forced labour issues, particularly in sectors like brick kilns, by providing legal protection to advances that could lead to modern slavery.
Contrary to claims that workers’ organizations and leaders oppose changes in labour law, labour unions have long advocated for comprehensive reforms to labour legislation. However, the current draft raises significant concerns.
The draft fails to protect workers’ rights to freely organize and join unions of their choice. It also does not sufficiently safeguard the unconditional right to collective bargaining and the right to strike—protections that are already established in existing laws.
From a worker’s perspective, the following points highlight the critical situation faced by workers in Pakistan:
The existing law represents the 77-year struggle of the entire workforce, yet workers in Pakistan are still not receiving fair wages. They continue to live below the poverty line, with only a small portion benefiting from social protection. Only 1 per cent of the labour force is organized, and trade unions and federations have limited space to operate.
At this time, a new controversial draft, which was not demanded by the workers, has been presented. Why? Not only at the local level but the most representative federation of Pakistan is also facing difficulties as they are not able to gain major places to voice up on the international level due to the monopoly of certain individuals, supported by a few actors with vested agendas.
So, is this truly labour welfare or warfare against the basic rights of workers?
