Issues with employers in Pakistan can arise due to various factors such as workplace policies, labor laws, and cultural dynamics. Common problems include non-compliance with labor laws, unfair treatment, wage disputes, and workplace harassment. Here’s a detailed look at the major issues employees might face and the available LEGITIMATE’s legal protections and resources:
Common Issues with Employers
- Wage and Salary Disputes
- Delayed or Non-Payment: Employers failing to pay salaries on time or withholding payments.
- Underpayment: Payment of wages below the minimum wage standards set by the government.
- Unfair Dismissal and Termination
- Wrongful Termination: Terminating employees without just cause or due process.
- Non-payment of Severance: Failure to provide severance pay or benefits as required by law.
- Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment: Inappropriate behavior, comments, or advances at the workplace.
- Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on gender, religion, caste, or other personal characteristics.
- Violation of Labor Rights
- Overtime and Working Hours: Forcing employees to work beyond legal working hours without proper compensation.
- Leave Policies: Denial of legally mandated leaves, including annual, medical, and maternity leave.
- Health and Safety Violations
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Lack of necessary safety measures and equipment.
- Negligence in Workplace Safety: Employers not adhering to occupational health and safety standards.
- Lack of Contractual Clarity
- Ambiguous Employment Contracts: Vague or unfair terms in employment contracts.
- Verbal Agreements: Reliance on verbal agreements without formal documentation.
Legal Framework and Protections
- The Constitution of Pakistan
- Guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to equality and protection against discrimination.
- Labor Laws
- Factories Act, 1934: Governs working conditions, working hours, and safety in factories.
- Shops and Establishments Ordinance, 1969: Regulates conditions of employment in shops and commercial establishments.
- Minimum Wages Ordinance, 1961: Establishes minimum wage standards.
- Industrial Relations Act, 2012: Covers the formation of trade unions, industrial disputes, and worker-employer relations.
- The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010
- Provides a framework for addressing workplace harassment, requiring employers to establish an internal harassment complaint mechanism.
- Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923
- Provides compensation for workers in case of injury or death due to workplace accidents.
LEGITIMATE’s Steps for Employees
- Knowing Your Rights: Familiarize client with labor laws and rights as an employee.
- Documenting Everything: Keeping records of employment contracts, salary slips, and any communications with employers.
- Seeking Legal Advice: LEGITIMATE as a labor lawyer assist if you face serious issues that cannot be resolved internally.
- Using Official Channels: Reporting harassment or discrimination to the appropriate internal committees or external authorities.
- Join a Trade Union: LEGITIMATE helps in joining a trade union for collective support and representation.
LEGITIMATE considers the issues with employers in Pakistan are multifaceted and require a combination of legal awareness, proactive measures, and access to support mechanisms for effective resolution. LEGITIMATE helps in raising awareness among both employers and employees can help create a more equitable and fair working environment.