Effect given to the recommendations of the committee and the Governing Body - REPORT_NO349, March 2008

Effect given to the recommendations of the Committee and the Governing Body

1. 200. The Committee last examined this case at its November 2005 meeting [see 338th Report, paras 275–287]. On that occasion, it took note of the intent of the Government to amend several provisions of the Industrial Relations Ordinance (IRO) and to resolve the issue concerning the labour judiciary system and expected that the measures taken will enable the workers of the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) to enjoy the right to establish and join organizations of their own choosing. The Committee further once again requested the Government to provide information on the alleged acts of anti-union discrimination against trade union officers of the EOBI Employees’ Federation of Pakistan and on the measures taken to conduct an independent investigation in this respect.
2. 201. In its communications dated 13 June and 6 November 2007, the Government indicates that the draft Bill containing amendments to the IRO was submitted to the Cabinet for its consideration to resolve the grievances of the workers, including the complainant. The Cabinet established a committee to consider the amendments where the matter is presently pending.
3. 202. The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in respect of the legislative amendments. Recalling its previous requests to the Government, the Committee urges it to amend the IRO as soon as possible so as to bring it into full conformity with Conventions Nos 87 and 98, ratified by Pakistan. It requests the Government to inform the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, to which it refers the legislative aspects of this case, of the developments in this regard.
4. 203. The Committee regrets that once again, the Government has failed to provide its observations on the alleged acts of anti-union discrimination against trade union officers of the EOBI Employees’ Federation of Pakistan and on the measures taken to conduct an independent investigation in this respect. The Committee emphasizes that the Government should recognize the importance for their own reputation of formulating detailed replies to the allegations brought by complainant organizations, so as to allow the Committee to undertake an objective examination [see Digest of decisions and principles of the Freedom of Association Committee, fifth edition, 2006, para. 24]. The Committee reiterates its previous request and strongly urges the Government to be more cooperative in the future.