- Constitutional Provisions
Article 9 gives right to life to everyone in Pakistan.
Article 17 gives right to form association and union. It has to be exercised within the provisions of laws.
No one can be forced to work under the provisions of Pakistan Penal Code.
- Industrial and Commercial Employment Ordinance, 1968
It provides the conditions for employment. This law doesn't apply if employees are less than 20. Commercial establishment is defined under section 2.b of this ordinance. Standing orders under section 2.g are defined. There are various other definitions under section 2. The classification of workmen include permanent, probationer, badli, etc. Salient features of this law include terms and conditions to b given in writing at the time of appointment or promotion. Leaves, wages, incentive schemes, group insurance, holidays, etc. All have to be on the notice board of establishment. Similarly shifts cannot be discontinued without one month notice and no permanent employee can be terminated on the closure of shift. There is a provision of payment of bonus in this law. Employer can stop work in certain events such as fire, accidents, power failure, etc. More than 50% work can't be closed unless things are beyond control. In other circumstanstances permission from labour court is mandatory.
- Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1968
It is applicable in whole of Pakistan. It includes business establishments and social sector establishments. Public amusements are not covered under it. The section 6 define weekly holidays to be at least one. Section 7 has bar of opening and closing hours can't be more than 40 per week or 9 per day unless there is overtime. Section 11 include the terms and conditions of wages to be paid to employees. Annual leaves are fixed under section 14. Casual and sick leaves under section 15. Festival holidays are at least 10 to be notified in the beginning of calendar year by employer as per section 16.
- Minimum Wages Ordinance, 1961
Boards are established under section 3 of this ordinance. Govt may refer such wages under section 4. Under section 7 they can be reviewed after 3 years.
- Minimum Wages for unskilled workers Ordinance, 1969
Applies to commercial and non commercial establishments with more than 50 workers. Unskilled workers are paid under this law.
- Workmans Compensation Act, 1923
It gives compensation to injured employees in the line of duty. The employer will not be liable in cases of violations by employees.
- Factories Act, 1934 is one of the important laws which give definitions to various labour law enactments in Pakistan.
- EOBI Act, 1976 applies on establishments with more than 5 employees. Registered employees don't go out of the ambit of this law if their employees become less. Founders are not employees under this law. 6% to be paid by employer while 1% by the employee at the end of month till the 15th of next month. Women are entitled for benefits at the age of 55 under this law...there is contribution of 15 years required but a person working in mining industry can contribute only for 10 years.
