Speakers demand changes to labour laws
6 December 2022
Participants of an awareness session held in Peshawar on Monday demanded amendments to the labour laws and legislation regulating the affairs of factories in the province to protect the rights of workers, eliminate harassment and ensure provision of facilities to workers.
The event on “Employees’ Social Security Institutions (ESSI) and Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) Laws” was held under aegis of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) with the sponsorship of GIZ – a German development agency at the Chamber’s House here, according to a news release here.
SCCI president Mohammad Ishaq chaired the session, which was attended by representatives of the unions of factory workers, traders, importers, exporters, and members of the relevant organisations.
The participants were briefed about main objectives of the awareness programme, while expert Sharif Khan Khattak highlighted the significance of ESSI and EOBI laws.
The SCCI chief said it was imperative to bring changes to the laws pertaining to factories to address the workers’ issues and problems of industrialists. He said the business community should have awareness of laws and regulations.
He called upon the relevant institutions to avoid harassing the business community on the pretext of enforcing laws in order to keep their dignity intact.
The other speakers said the business community was ready to cooperate with relevant institutions in enforcement of relevant laws. However, they said unnecessary actions and harassment by labour department was intolerable.
Mr Ishaq said the event was basically meant to sensitise the business community about laws and regulations and build up their capacity as per modern requirements.
He also appreciated the participants for taking keen interests and active participation in the training/awareness session.
© Dawn