Islamabad, the 2nd April, 2010. Strengthening Democracy through Parliamentary Development (SDPD)-UNDP in collaboration with the Solidarity Center, organized a Policy Dialogue on “Recognition of the Role & Responsibilities of Labor Standing Committees in Formulation of Labor Laws and Policies in Pakistan” in the Parliament Lodges, Islamabad.
The purpose of the dialogue was to recognize the importance of a strong and vibrant parliament, which helps strengthen democracy as well as to include various committees which are also a strong and vital part of policy making and need to be recognized and supported in their efforts. The dialogue was also meant to engage members of both the National Assembly and Senate’s standing committees in a thought provoking discussion on draft labour policy, Industrial Relations Act 2010, and other labor laws and concerns.
Members of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF), Workers Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP), Muttahida Labour Federation (MLF), All Pakistan Trade Union Congress (APTUC), and the Center for Labor Advocacy and Dialogue (CLAD) met the committee members to present and share their perspective on the IRA 2010 and other important labour related concerns and laws. This year was set to be a very interesting year with regards to laws and policies that encompass workers and labor rights. The members of the Committees gave their input on this issue and emphasized the need to implement these laws in letter and spirit to enhance the overall working conditions for the labors and their rights. The members of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Labor & Manpower assured the participants of reviewing the IRA 2010 in light of the consultation held with members of the worker’s and employer’s representatives present at the consultation. They were of the opinion that such an important legislation must be thoroughly debated in the labor standing committee. In this context consensus needs to be evolved as with the case of the 18th amendment and assured the participants that they will ask the Ministry to give ample time to the Committee to review the IRA 2010 and the labor policy before it is presented before the Parliament. Members of the Labour Standing Committee assured the Worker’s and Employer’s representatives of the very much needed stakeholder consultation on IRA 2010 and the Labor Policy that is around the corner & safeguarding the rights of key stakeholders before the Parliament & Senate approves labor laws and policies.
Members of the Standing Committee on Labor and Manpower that spoke on the occasion included Mr. Usman Khan Tariq Khattak, Mr. Farhat Mohammad Khan and Mr. Syed Nasir Ali Shah. Marvi Sarmad of Strengthening Democracy through Parliamentary Development (SDPD) and Dr. Sabur Ghayyur facilitated the dialogue.
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For further information and media assistance, please contact,
Mehreen Saeed, Communication Analyst, Strategic Management Unit, UNDP Pakistan
UN House No. 12, Street 17, F-7/2 Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8255650 or Email:
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Website: http://www.undp.org.pk
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