Workplace: Scheme launched for capacity building of industry, says minister

Project director says workers being educated about their rights

LAHORE: Labour and Human Resource Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said on Monday the government had launched a project at a cost of Rs134.16 million for capacity building of industry workers.

“This will help meet labour standards, increase industrial production and improve relations among employees, employers and government institutions,” the minister told a meeting that reviewed progress on the project.

Labour Department Director General Salim Hussain, Project Director Arshad Mahmood, Labour Director Syed Hasnaat Javed and Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment Director Tahir Manzoor attended the meeting.

Mahmood said technical staff was being provided training to ensure enforcement of labour laws and occupational safety and health (OSH) at industrial units.

“In-house training sessions are being arranged for managers, supervisors and clerical and management staff,” he said. He said that on-site training sessions for industrial workers were being organised to educate them about their rights.

He said two vehicles had been procured to create awareness regarding labour laws. He said Labour Department had applied for a licence to launch an FM radio channel to disseminate information regarding labour rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2015.