Compliance of Pakistan with ILO Standards on Freedom of Association

Abstract

The right to form an association is considered the social, economic and political right of a person. The principle of freedom of association is not only enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) but also in various UN and ILO instruments. The right to organize and form organizations of employers and workers is the prerequisite for sound social dialogue and collective bargaining. The right to freedom of association ensures that workers and employers can freely associate to efficiently negotiate working conditions and work relations. Collective bargaining not only allows for negotiating better working conditions but also prevents labour disputes and thus increases workers’ productivity. The article explores the right to freedom of association in Pakistan.