Centre for Labour Research organized a Consultation Workshop on Regulating for a Fairer Platform Economy

Islamabad - 1 November 2023 (Adnan Hameed) : Globally, there are approximately 1.1 billion gig workers, with Pakistan ranking third in the number of platform workers. An estimated 0.7 to 1 million individuals actively participate in location-based platform work in Pakistan. Platform work offers a gateway to the job market for marginalized groups such as youth, women, and minorities. There are no precise figures available for the online workers or freelancers engaged with platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, but estimates suggest their numbers range between 1 to 3 million. However, even though these workers heavily depend on platforms for their livelihoods, they are often categorized as "independent contractors." This classification denies them crucial labour rights and exposes them to exploitation, ultimately hindering their access to essential social security benefits. Centre for Labour Research, in collaboration with the Fairwork Foundation, crafted legislation safeguarding the rights of on-location platform workers in Pakistan. This legislation supplements existing coverage for online platform workers, under the Islamabad Capital Territory Homebased Workers Bill approved by the federal cabinet in 2020. The Fairwork Pakistan team, at the Centre for Labour Research, conducted a consultation on the platform work bill at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) today. Established under a Parliamentary Act in 2008, PIPS aids lawmakers by conducting research, offering professional development, information, workshops, and record-keeping to bolster legislative work and transparency. It supports parliamentarians in law-making, oversight, policy formation, and representation, providing technical assistance, training, and resources for efficient parliamentary operations. The objective of this consultation was to introduce the draft legislation proposed by the Centre for Labour Research, aiming to address the challenges faced by platform workers before the lawmakers at PIPS. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders, including Director general (Legislation) Pakistan institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), other government officials, labour rights advocates, ILO representatives, workers representatives and academic experts, focusing on discussions to enhance working conditions and promote a more equitable platform economy through the proposed Islamabad Capital Territory Platform Workers Protection Bill 2023. The lead researcher and founder of the Centre for Labour Research, Iftikhar Ahmad, presented an overview of the platform economy and the need for regulation. He also gave a detailed presentation on regulatory best practices for legislation in the platform economy. This was followed by a comprehensive discussion of the draft legislation that the Centre for Labour Research has been working on for the last one and a half years. If enacted, the legislation mandates platforms to prevent worker misclassification, ensuring transparency in algorithmic management. It will grant platform workers fundamental rights like minimum wage, overtime pay, and leave, hindering collective bargaining and equal treatment. This legislation aligns with the Constitution, guaranteeing legal equality, and the Objectives Resolution, promoting a just and equitable society based on Islamic principles. Mr. Muhammad Amir Khalil Director General PIPS extended sincere appreciation to the Centre for Labour Research for their dedication in drafting the pivotal platform work bill and said, “This legislation is a significant step in safeguarding the rights of platform workers, addressing long-overlooked needs. We commend their efforts and encourage active engagement in shaping a more just and equitable labour landscape in Pakistan”. Mr Shahid Naeem, Former Chief SDG Section, Planning commission lauded the Centre for Labour Research's proposed legislation as a critical advancement in safeguarding gig workers' rights. Ms. Khaula Batool, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Human Rights, assured government support and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to strike a balance between upholding fair labour standards and nurturing the platform economy's growth. Dr. Mahmood Khalid, Senior Research Economist at PIDE, expressed deep appreciation for the Centre for Labour Research's work in tailoring legislation for Pakistan's intricate gig economy. Joining him, Mr. Naveed Raja, Head of Employee Advocacy, PTCL highlighted the importance of safeguarding platform workers' rights and emphasized collaborative efforts for adaptable regulations. Additionally, Mr. Syed Saghir Bukhari, Senior Program Officer at the ILO Country Office, endorsed the legislation's focus on upholding fundamental rights for gig workers, aligning with global labour standards. He emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to implement adaptable regulations across diverse global contexts effectively.