Trade unions and labour rights organizations have agreed to launch a coordinated advocacy campaign seeking an immediate increase in Punjab’s minimum wage and the notification of minimum wages for home-based workers under the Punjab Home-Based Workers Act, 2023.
HomeNet Pakistan hosts consultation on fair wages, labour rights
LAHORE, Jul 15 (APP): Trade unions and labour rights organizations have agreed to launch a coordinated advocacy campaign seeking an immediate increase in Punjab’s minimum wage and the notification of minimum wages for home-based workers under the Punjab Home-Based Workers Act, 2023.
The decision was made during a trade union consultation organized by HomeNet Pakistan (HNP) in collaboration with the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) at the HNP office here on Wednesday.
According to a press release, the consultation brought together prominent labour leaders, advocates and representatives of trade unions to formulate a joint strategy for advancing fair wages and strengthening labour protections in the province.
The participants included HomeNet Pakistan Executive Director Ume Laila Azhar, Hanif Ramay, Zafar Malik, Niaz Khan, Sajid Ali, Attia Hanif and Fiaza Khan.
The participants expressed concern over the delay in announcing a revised minimum wage despite the continued rise in the cost of living. They emphasized that minimum wages for home-based workers should be notified without further delay in accordance with the Punjab Home-Based Workers Act, 2023. The meeting also reviewed various provisions of the proposed Labour Code 2026 and agreed on a unified position to safeguard workers’ rights, promote decent work and strengthen collective bargaining.
The consultation concluded with consensus on a joint advocacy plan involving engagement with the Punjab Minimum Wage Board, relevant government departments, media, civil society organizations and labour groups to build support for equitable wage policies and improved labour standards.
Speaking on the occasion, HomeNet Pakistan Executive Director Ume Laila Azhar said a timely revision of the minimum wage, coupled with the implementation of minimum wages for home-based workers, was essential to protect vulnerable workers from rising living costs and ensure the enforcement of their legal rights.
She said HomeNet Pakistan would continue working closely with trade unions and development partners to advance social justice, promote decent work and support inclusive labour policies across Punjab.
The consultation repeated the collective commitment of trade unions and labour rights organizations to work together for equitable wages, stronger labour protections and meaningful social dialogue aimed at improving the welfare of workers throughout the province.
