Standing Orders Ordinance 1968, Pakistan.

Standing Orders Ordinance 1968

The Industrial and Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) Ordinance, 1968 (ICEO 1968) is a law of Pakistan that regulates the conditions of employment of workmen in industrial and commercial establishments wherein twenty (20) or more workmen are employed, directly or through any other person, whether on behalf of himself or any other person, or were so employed on any day during the preceding twelve months.

The ICEO 1968 requires every employer to formulate and submit standing orders to the Chief Inspector of Factories within three months of employing 20 or more workmen. The standing orders must contain provisions on the following matters:

• Classification of workmen
• Hours of work and rest periods
• Holidays
• Leave
• Wages
• Termination of employment
• Grievance procedure

The standing orders must be in English and Urdu, and in the language understood by the majority of the workmen. They must be prominently posted and kept in a legible condition at or near the entrance through which the majority of the workmen enter the industrial or commercial establishment and in all departments thereof where the workmen are employed.

The ICEO 1968 provides for penalties for employers who fail to formulate or submit standing orders, or who contravene the provisions of the Ordinance. The penalties include fines and imprisonment.

The ICEO 1968 is an important law that protects the rights of workmen in industrial and commercial establishments. It ensures that workmen are treated fairly and that their terms and conditions of employment are clearly defined. The ICEO 1968 also provides a mechanism for workmen to resolve grievances with their employers.

Key Provisions

• Employers of 20 or more workers must formulate and submit standing orders to the Chief Inspector of Factories.
• Standing orders must be in English, Urdu, and the language understood by the majority of the workers.
• Standing orders must be prominently posted at the workplace.
• Employers must comply with the provisions of the standing orders.
• Workers have the right to raise grievances with their employers.
• Employers must investigate grievances and take appropriate action.
• Workers have the right to appeal to the Labour Court against the decision of the employer.

The ICEO 1968 is an important piece of legislation that protects the rights of workers in Pakistan. It ensures that workers are treated fairly and that their terms and conditions of employment are clearly defined. The ICEO 1968 also provides a mechanism for workers to resolve grievances with their employers.