The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued an important ruling that strengthens the rights of workers across the country. The court has decided that no worker can be terminated, retrenched, or dismissed from their job without receiving a written order that clearly explains the reason for their removal.
This landmark judgment provides clarity on the procedures outlined in the Industrial and Commercial Employment Ordinance, 1968. The ruling covers several important aspects of worker protection, including notice periods, payment of wages, and rehiring preferences for workers who have been let go.
According to the court’s decision, permanent workers are entitled to receive one month’s advance notice before termination. If the employer does not provide this notice, they must pay the worker one month’s wages as compensation. However, this requirement does not apply to temporary workers or those still on probation.
The Supreme Court also established clear rules for retrenchment situations. When employers need to reduce their workforce, they must follow proper procedures by issuing formal retrenchment orders. If the company later needs to hire workers again, they must give priority to previously retrenched workers based on their length of service. Workers who served longer should be rehired first.
The ruling also protects seasonal factory workers. If these workers return to their workplace within ten days of operations resuming, they receive preference for reemployment.
This decision is being seen as a major victory for labour rights in Pakistan. It ensures that employers cannot arbitrarily remove workers without proper documentation and justification, providing greater job security and protection for the working class throughout the country.
