SHC concerned at absence of forum to address workers’ issues

Seeks reply from SESSI chairman on plea seeking setting up of social security courts

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought a reply from the Sindh Employees' Social Security Institution (SESSI) chairman on a petition seeking establishment of social security courts in the province. The Justice Salahuddin Panhwar-led single-member SHC bench directed the Advocate General Sindh and the Additional Advocate General, who appeared before the court, to give a clear briefing to the provincial cabinet on this matter.

Justice Panhwar expressed his concern at the absence of any forum for redressal of workers' problems. He remarked that the provincial government has fixed the minimum monthly wage at Rs25,000, but it has been done only on paper. Some workers are still being paid a monthly salary of Rs10,000, the judge said. "Look at their living conditions; they have no clothes to wear. We are responsible for the people who die in companies because we don't talk about their rights," Justice Panhwar remarked.

The bench asked the Sindh Labour Secretary if the employees of petrol pumps were registered. "Tell us if a single FIR has ever been registered against an owner," he further enquired. "Did you run any awareness campaign? Tell us that you are registering labourers."

The court expressed indignation and said that SESSI was not active.

The Sindh Law Department submitted a response in the court in which it stated that the matter was placed before the SESSI Commissioner to implement the court orders, but he said labour courts were already working in this regard. "Labour courts are hearing cases and appeals," it stated.

The Labour Secretary sent a summary to the Sindh chief minister for implementation of the court orders. The matter has been placed before the cabinet which was informed that 24 cases had been pending in two labour courts. These labour courts can be converted into social security courts, he stated.

Justice Pahnwar remarked that the court orders have not been properly conveyed to the cabinet members. "The Advocate General Sindh and the Additional Advocate General should properly brief the cabinet members on this matter," he remarked.

The court sought a reply from the SESSI chairman at next hearing which will be held on February 7, 2023.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2022.