KARACHI, Pakistan (TW) – The Government of Sindh is leading efforts to consolidate and simplify labour laws and ensure they comply with International Labour Standards through social dialogue. Geir Tonstol, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director for Pakistan met with Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, on Friday, 31 May 2024 to update on progress.
The ILO responded to the request for technical assistance from the Government of Sindh province in drafting a Labour Code that would help to consolidate, simplify and rationalize existing labour laws, and comply with International Labour Standards through social dialogue.
Currently, 21 labour laws address different aspects of labour relations in Sindh, creating difficulties in understanding the legal framework on labour relations and its implementation for employers, workers and other stakeholders.
The Government of Sindh believes that this initiative will facilitate the understanding and implementation of the labour legislation for all parties involved. It is expected to improve the country’s image in the global market, make the legal framework more transparent and clearer for foreign partners and investors, enhance enforcement, broaden coverage and strengthen the protection of workers.
Following the request of the Government of Sindh province, the ILO helped bringing all existing labour laws into a single, modern and comprehensive Labour Code that aligns with Pakistna’s international obligations.
This effort was significantly advanced in Sindh on 27-31 May 2024, through the European Union-funded International Labour and Environment Standards in Small and Medium Enterprises project. During this period, the draft Labour Code was presented by the Department of Labour and Human Resource and the ILO to social partners and discussed with representatives of employers and workers.
The Chief Minister of Sindh met with Geir Tonstol to discuss progress on the matter. Both the Chief Minister and Mr Tonstol highlighted the strategic importance and relevance of the Labour Code as a way to provide stronger regulatory stability to Sindh’s business environment and create a good climate for investments, extending fundamental labour rights to all workers, including in the informal sector, strengthening the defence of fundamental principles at work and enhancing Pakistan’s ability to comply with the international obligations of the country, including GSP+ commitments.