BESIDES the law governing the terms and conditions of employment, legislation on industrial relations has played a vital role in the operation of industrial and commercial establishments in Pakistan. It regulates the formation of trade unions, their activities, relations between employers and workers, and the settlement of disputes arising between them.

The process of forming trade unions and the referendum held to elect their representative union — the collective bargaining agent — is similar to that of political parties. Consequently, union activities in industry are immensely influenced by the political environment. Pakistan’s first democratic government supported the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which issued conventions safeguarding labour rights.

Although member countries were not obligated to ratify these conventions, Pakistan ratified the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948, (No 87) in February 1951. This was followed by the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949, (No 98) in May 1952. These steps gave a boost to the trade union movement. Pakistan has so far ratified 36 ILO conventions.

Trade unions in Pakistan........

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