Ensuring Decent Work for Agriculture Workers is Vital for Sustainable Development

KARACHI, June 7, 2024: Employers’ associations play a crucial role in providing strong representation and promoting decent working conditions for all

their members, emphasized EFP Secretary General Syed Nazar Ali. He made these remarks while addressing participants at a capacity-building session for members of the Mehar Agriculture Employers (Landlords) Association (MAEA). The session, organized by the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), took place in Hyderabad.

Syed Nazar Ali also apprised the participants about the role played by EFP in promoting fundamental principles and rights at work (FPRW) to safeguard workers’ rights, enhance the sustainability of businesses, and create sustainable economic development.

He explained the urgent need for a strong voice to improve the visibility of the informal agriculture sector in international forums and mentioned how EFP serves as a valuable networking tool, facilitating connections and collaborations in this regard. Additionally, participants were also briefed on the legal and advisory services provided by EFP to help members comply with regulations to better industrial relations.

Qazi Wajid Mahesar President Mehar Agriculture Employers (Landlords) Association (MAEA) expressed gratitude to the Employer’s Federation of Pakistan and the International Labour Organization for driving international attention to the significance of employer-represented organizations in Sindh, especially for small-scale farmers while praising EFP’s efforts in advancing fair employment conditions to support businesses in attaining sustainability.

He highlighted the financial issues small landowners go through every day and emphasized how empowering employers would benefit their workers and create a strong system that would boost the economic condition and eradicate the unacceptable forms of work. He further explained that strengthening agricultural associations would enable them with a collective voice and generate social justice for all the workers.

During the session, participants shared their perspectives on improving working conditions in the informal agriculture sector. They brainstormed ideas and urged EFP to assist them in advocating for supportive legislation to address these issues.