ILO chief calls for stronger employer-worker ties to boost economic growth

LAHORE  –  International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo on Thursday called for stronger relations between employers and workers, describing both as joint partners in economic growth and development and stressing that workers’ welfare was a shared responsibility. Addressing a social dialogue between employers and workers at the headquarters of the Pakistan United Workers Federation in Garhi Shahu during his one-day visit to Lahore, Mr Houngbo said sustained engagement between the two sides was essential for improving industrial relations and promoting workers’ welfare. Representatives of industry, workers and the government attended the event organised by the Webcops. The ILO chief said Pakistan’s active representation on the organisation’s governing body provided it an opportunity to play an important role in advancing the interests and welfare of workers. He also stressed the need for greater focus on skills development to enable workers to meet the changing requirements of the labour market, saying the ILO would continue its efforts to promote workers’ welfare. Earlier, Mr Houngbo visited Millat Tractors Limited, where Chairman Sikandar Mustafa Khan received him and Chief Executive Officer Raheel Asghar briefed him on the company’s tractor assembly plant and operations. The ILO director general toured the facility and inspected various sections of the plant before addressing a gathering of workers. He appreciated the measures being taken by the company for workers’ welfare and occupational safety, saying he was impressed by the facilities being provided to employees. Mr Houngbo said he was pleased to visit Pakistan and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to promoting decent work and workers’ welfare. Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Ch Salik Hussain, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Punjab Labour Minister Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Secretary Labour Danish Afzal and Director General Labour Welfare Syeda Kulsoom Hai accompanied the ILO chief at different engagements. Mr Salik Hussain and representatives of the Pakistan United Workers Federation thanked the ILO director general for visiting Lahore. A commemorative shield was presented to Mr Houngbo at the conclusion of the social dialogue. During his visit, the ILO chief also visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, where he laid a floral wreath and paid tribute to the poet. The ILO delegation also visited the Badshahi Mosque and toured different parts of the historic monument, taking an interest in its Mughal-era architecture. Mr Houngbo had arrived in Lahore earlier in the day and was received at the airport by Punjab Labour and Human Resource Minister Muhammad Manshaullah Butt, Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bherth and senior labour officials.

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