DECENT WORK TRENDS AND WORK LIFE QUALITY AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES OF DISTRICT JHANG, PAKISTAN

In Pakistan, where 70% labor force is the part of informal economy, making sure the quality and quantity of available work can lead to poverty alleviation. Pakistan has entered into agreement with International Labor Organization (ILO) through "Decent Work Country Programme” which lays an ethical obligation to implement Decent Work Agenda of ILO. As agriculture employs 44% of labor force in Pakistan, executing decent work in this sector can contribute significantly towards poverty alleviation. Initiating decent work in agriculture requires establishment of localized standards for which a comprehensive base line of existing situation and farmer knowledge is enviable. Current study investigates the status and trends of decent work issues existing among rural communities of district Jhang, Pakistan. One hundred and fifty rural women were selected and interviewed on a standard questionnaire. Thirty percent children of respondents did not go to school due to poverty and lack of interest. Thirty percent boys were involved in dangerous work like pesticide spray and thrashing. There was no trend of written contracts while sixty percent women reported verbal contracts before starting the work, upon deviation of which, 75% women reported abusing by the owners. About 50% women reported gender based discrimination in labor and wages. Sixty one percent women knew about possible health hazards due to pesticide poisoning. There was no concept of freedom of association among the respondents. Current survey will greatly support in devising decent work programs in rural communities of Punjab Pakistan.