Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has accorded his assent to The Sindh Minimum Wages Bill 2015 which was approved by the Sindh Assembly on 25th January 2016.
After the signatures of governor, the law has become an Act and would come into force at once. Under the Act, a minimum wages board would be constituted headed by a person having adequate knowledge of industrial, labour and economic conditions of the province and who is not connected with any industry or associated with any employers’ or workers’ organisation.
One representative each from employers, workers, employers connected with the industry or trade concerned, and workers connected with the industry or trade concerned would be the members of the Board.
The Board will recommend to the government minimum rates of wages for adult, skilled and unskilled workers employed in industrial and commercial establishments throughout the province. It would also recommend minimum rates of wages for time work, piece work, overtime work and work on the weekly day of rest and for paid holidays.
The Board may review its recommendations from time to time keeping in view any change in economic conditions, cost of living or any other relevant factor. Under the Act, the government would appoint an Authority to decide the cases of non-payment or delay of minimum wages. After commencement of this Act, Minimum Wages Ordinance 1961, The Minimum Wages for Unskilled Workers Ordinance 1969 and The Employees Cost of Living Allowance (Relief) Act 1973 would no longer be applicable in Sindh.
In addition, The Sindh Employees Special Relief Allowance 1986 and The Sindh (Payment of Dearness Allowance to Certain Employees) Act 1991 have also been repealed henceforth.
