Daily Times

Sir: Labour Day is observed worldwide on May 1 in the memory of the labourers of Chicago who sacrificed their lives for their rights. It is celebrated to commemorate the workers’ movement for demanding justice and equality of rights from oppressive forces.The labour force of any country plays an important role in its progress and prosperity. Without labour power, no nation can prosper; it is as vital as air for breathing. But a harsh fact is that their work is not highly regarded and they are always deprived of their rights in society. Most workers from the agricultural sector or from the industrial sector are made to work far more than the prescribed working hours.

The total labour force of Pakistan comprises approximately 37.15 million people, with 47 percent within the agriculture sector, 10.50 percent in the manufacturing and mining sector and the remaining 42.50 percent in various other professions. This is a huge section of our population and their rights should be respected by giving them legal protection.

The government has taken various practical steps to restore the dignity and honour of labourers; it has formulated the labour policy and set the minimum wage at Rs 7,000 but in the current circumstances, this is insufficient and needs to be increased. It is expected that the government will further increase the minimum wage for the labour class.

Also, after the 18th constitutional Amendment, the formulation of labour laws needs urgent attention at the federal and provincial levels. They will give protection to the labour class, which suffers at the hands of feudal lords, agriculturists and industrialists in the country.

HAFIZ MUHAMMAD IRFAN

Islamabad