A bill proposing wide-ranging reforms to Pakistan’s industrial relations framework has been introduced in the Senate, aiming to strengthen workers’ rights, improve industrial harmony and make the labour relations system more transparent and effective.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Kamran Murtaza submitted a notice to introduce the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the upper house of parliament.
According to the proposed amendments, the status of a labourer or worker would be determined on the basis of actual duties and responsibilities rather than designation, grade, pay group or Basic Pay Scale (BPS).
The bill also proposes reconstituting Collective Bargaining Units (CBUs) in institutions employing fewer than 3,000 workers to make the representation system more effective.
Under the proposed law, the tenure of trade unions and workers’ associations would be fixed at two years. Any union failing to hold elections within the prescribed period would automatically stand dissolved.
The bill further seeks to address administrative gaps by requiring that, in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Registrar, a senior officer be immediately assigned acting charge, and that the process of permanent appointments be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
To ensure the timely resolution of labour disputes, the proposed amendments make it mandatory that workers’ grievances be decided within six months. A parliamentary oversight and accountability mechanism has also been proposed to monitor delays in case disposal.
The legislation recommends a significant increase in penalties for non-compliance with decisions, with the proceeds of fines to be paid directly to affected workers.
The bill further proposes mandatory educational qualifications and relevant experience for the appointment of chairpersons and members of labour-related institutions. All appointments would be made through advertisement, competition and merit-based selection.
Appeals under the industrial relations framework would be required to be decided within 90 days, while a parliamentary oversight mechanism would be activated in cases of delay.
In addition, the proposed amendments direct the relevant commission to make information on workers’ rights, labour laws, international agreements, and case records available on its website and social media platforms.
Speaking about the proposed legislation, Senator Kamran Murtaza said the amendments were aimed at providing prompt justice to workers, ensuring better representation, promoting transparency in institutions and strengthening industrial harmony.
He termed the bill an important legislative effort to modernise the industrial relations system, ensure timely justice for workers and enhance institutional transparency and accountability.