9 April, 2008Workers in Pakistan gain increase in minimum wage, repeal of law restricting trade unions and establishment of a National Employment Commission.
PAKISTAN: Workers in Pakistan welcomed an increase in the minimum wage announced by Prime Minister Syed Youssuf Raza Gilani on March 29. The minimum wage was increased from Rs4,000 (US$63) per month to Rs6,000 (US$95) per month.
Workers also welcomed the establishment of the National Employment Commission, which will look to increase employment opportunities for young people and the workforce, and the repeal of the anti-labour Industrial Relation Ordinance 2002, which imposed undue restrictions on trade unions.
The Pakistan Workers' Federation stated to the press that the repeal of the law restricting trade unions was necessary as it was in violation of conventions of the International Labour Organisation. The union also stated that the rise in the minimum wage was insufficient, but the increase would provide some relief to workers.