Inflation and living wage

As Pakistan’s currency loses value against the US dollar, inflation is expected to hit the masses in the coming weeks and months. The expected inflation will hit the unemployed and those working on low wages the most. It is very important to look at both these issues i.e. unemployment and non provision of living wage. Unemployment and non provision of living wage are serious issues and lead to a number of other problems. Both the issues have persisted despite numerous claims by consecutive governments in Pakistan. Currently there is not only a large population that remains unemployed but an even bigger number has to make do on shockingly low salaries due to non implementation of various laws. The situation is particularly serious in the lower tier work category in the private sector. As far as unemployment goes, some link it to the growing technology that has pushed away man power. Some associate it to the increase of population. While some are of the view that the literacy level is too low and our education system is not preparing the youth for the job market. But a key factor that has locked the door of employment for well deserving candidates is nepotism. The recruitment process is based on erroneous criteria where nepotism plays a key role.
Many countries have laws to facilitate the work force. For instance, in USA they have Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits any discrimination in the hiring process and The Civil Rights Act of 1991 forbids discrimination with the employee. Article 39(d) of Indian Constitution talks about equality in work force. Philippines, one of the fastest growing economies, according to one study has given all the rights to the work force in its Constitution of 1987. Germany has so much strong laws in favor of employees that they are even referred as the ‘Employee Protection Act’. Canada has Canadian Human Rights Act. UK has Equality Acts that keep employers from favoritism. In fact, making sound laws to facilitate the deserving work force has always been into practice throughout the world. Pakistan has its own history in this regard. Two first laws in the Subcontinent after the British East India Company’s rule were Employers and Workman Dispute Act 1860 and Indian Factories Act 1881. Some Trade Union Acts along with several others regarding wages, compensations etc. were produced in 1920s. Pakistan inherited four of such laws after its creation namely Trade Union Act 1926, Factories Act 1934, Industrial Employment Act 1946 & Industrial Disputes Act 1947. All such laws benefitted the work force in one way or the other. Now the Articles 11, 17, 18, 25, 27, 37(e) and 38 of the Constitution of Pakistan mention the employee and employers’ rights and duties respectively. According to one study Pakistan has more than 70 labor laws. It is the implementation of these laws that remains a dream at present.
Ensuring provision of living wages should be the top most priority of the government.