Ministry told to prepare contract workers employment bill

The federal cabinet has directed the Ministry of Labour and Manpower to prepare 'contract workers employment bill' on war footings for protection of labour and implementation of minimum wage law in the country, official sources told Business Recorder on Monday.
The decision was taken in the backdrop of existence of many restrictions in labour laws for which Pakistan was lagging behind in terms of social compliance and requirements of foreign buyers.
In order to meet international requirements, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower has recommended amendments in labour laws in the areas by extending the working time with overtime payment upto 60 hours per week, extending time limit for women upto 10.00 pm, employing workers on contract basis (item rates) and enhancing the limit of wages for coverage under Women's Compensation Act, the sources added.
The cabinet in its meeting held on July 21st while discussing the issue regarding working of women till 10.00 pm, considered that the provision would not be objectionable provided working women are given the drop facility by the employer and adequate security measures are in place, the sources added.
"These amendments were necessary not only to meet the requirement of WTO but also the expectations of foreign buyers, who look at the national laws and working environment in the country before committing themselves to make investment," the sources maintained.
According to these sources, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz observed that Pakistan needs to follow a balanced approach by providing relief to the employer and at the same time giving necessary protection to the employees.
The issue of wages in schools of Rawalpindi/Islamabad also came under discussion and the cabinet was informed that schoolteachers in the twin cities were grossly under-paid.
It was, however, hoped that with the implementation on the proposed amendments in labour laws, the element of exploitation would be removed.
Approving the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower, the cabinet directed that drop facility of transport at night and adequate security protection to female workers should be provided by the employer.