IFJ Welcomes Pakistan’s New Industrial Relations Act

 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in welcoming the passing of the Industrial Relations Act (IRA) 2012 unanimously by the Pakistan Senate.

 

The bill, which was moved by Senator Raza Rabbani, will ensure protection of labourers' rights and addresses the formation of trade unions, regulation of relations between employers and workers, and avoidance and settlement of employer-employee disputes.

 

In a statement, PFUJ President and Chairman of the All Pakistan Workers' Action Committee, Pervaiz Shaukat, congratulated the workers of the country for this great achievement. He said workers formed the backbone of any nation and therefore the government should ensure that their rights are not compromised.

 

Shaukat further urged the government to pass the bill in the National Assembly on March 12, thus making it law.

 

The PFUJ are currently fighting cases of over 1,700 employees of media groups in vairous labour courts and implementation tribunals.

 

If the bill becomes law it will provide legal recognition to over 400 unions and 70 associations registered in trans-provincial and federal institutions, after responsibility for labour-related issues were devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment of the Pakistan Constitution.

 

“The struggle for journalists’ working rights and press freedom are inextricably linked,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

 

“The achievement of true press freedom in Pakistan and elsewhere depends on journalists enjoying the decent working conditions and fair pay that underpin a quality media. The introduction of the new Industrial Relations Act will be a big step forward for the protection of the working rights of journalists. The efforts of the PFUJ and its members in this milestone cannot be understated."

 

Update: The bill passed unanimously through the National Assembly and President Asif Ali Zardari, as advised by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, has assented to and signed the Industrial Relations Bill (2012) which has now been enacted as a law.

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950

 

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

 

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