Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87) - Pakistan (Ratification: 1951)

The Committee notes that the Pakistan National Federation of Trade Unions (PNFTU) sent comments on the implementation of the Convention in communications dated 21 December 1989 and 24 February 1990. According to these communications almost all multinational corporations which operate in Pakistan try to undermine union membership by offering "promotions" to union members and activists, without actually giving them managerial responsibilities. This then moves the workers into the category of "employers" as defined in the Industrial Relations Ordinance 1969, and obliges them to resign from union membership.

In view of the fact that the Government has not yet responded to the comments of the PNFTU, the Committee considers that it would be more appropriate to deal with these questions after taking account of the observations of the Government at its next session. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the Government's report in reply to its previous observation and direct request has been received on 13 March 1990, during its sittings. The Committee will examine this report at its next session.