On the occasion of Labour Day, I salute the workers who sacrified their lives and shed their blood about 130 years ago, in 1886, to recognize the dignity and honour of work. Labour and Human Resources Department, Government of Sindh is the core government agency that monitors, regulate and facilitate the rights of workers as mentioned in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to enforce the provisions of various Labour Laws.

It also looks after the Social Security Coverage and Welfare Schemes. This shows its importance in socio-economic progress of the Province. To demonstrate is strong commitment towards the well being of workers and for improved working conditions under the able guidance of Honourable Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah. The Labour & H.R. Department, Sindh, has worked in multi-pronged directions, by enacting 13 different laws (prepared after necessary consulation with all stakeholder, having complete consensus), launching various beneficial schemes for the working class, ensuring the coverage of labour laws to those sectors which were not included in legislation is the Pre-18th Amendment scenario. The Department is also working on introducing new laws on Occupational Safety and Health, Home Based Workers and Domestic Workers for assurance of better working atmosphere and bringing the neglected sectors of labourers in ambit of Labour Laws.

The Department of Labour & Human Resources, Sindh has always maintained a cordial relationship with all its social partners to maintain industrial peace, and protect the rights enlisted in legislations reserved for workforce. A tripartite committee is working at the provincial level to workout for the resolution of issues related to labour. The Department is also providing training to representatives from all the concerned walks of life through NILAT for bringing awareness of labour issues. It also ensures the implementation of the commitment made by the State of Pakistan by ratifying 36 ILO Convention and have strong liaison with ILO Country Office, Islamabad, through Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource, Government of Pakistan.

The labour & HR Department, Sindh and its sub-ordinate bodies are serving the workers and labourers, within its own area of jurisdiction and purview of law, to get every facility and convenience which is their right. I hope the spirit of combined and cooperative efforts of all the stakeholders will continue to play and active role in promoting better, stronger, and conducive work environment for the progress of the Province.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017