Mapping Labour Unions in Pakistan Bargaining Agents. The NIRC is chaired by a retired or sitting judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Its members include retired or serving District and Session Judges, federal government officers, and the Registrar of the NIRC. It has a significant role in promoting industrial peace, which is vital for commercial institutions to operate at a high level of productivity. 22 1.4.2. Labour Courts : These are established under the national and provincial industrial relations acts. These are empowered to adjudicate and resolve any industrial dispute referred to these or brought to their attention under the law. It is to be noted that workers’ experience with NIRC and labour courts have been covered in a separate section. 1.4.3. Labour Appellate Tribunals : These are powered to receive appeals and may confirm, set aside, vary, or amend the award, decision, or sentence made or passed by the labour courts. 1.4.4. Registrar : A registrar is appointed by the government to register trade unions and keep a record under the laws. They also help file or authorize others to file complaints with the labour courts. They have many other powers and functions given in each provincial industrial relation acts. 1.4.5. Arbitrator : When the parties fail to conciliate, the parties could refer or appoint the case/dispute to an arbitrator. Several bipartite and tripartite mechanisms exist to foster dialogue between workers, employers and government. For example, Industrial Relations Act sets up a Shop Steward , provided for each shop, section or department in an establishment with 50 or more workers. This is an important institution of liaison between management and workers to facilitate settlement of workers problems. 1.4.6. Workers Management Council is a bilateral social dialogue mechanism stipulated under the industrial relations law to be established in every workplace of more than 50 workers. The law states that the six members of the Council should have 50% representation of workers. Section 29 of IRA spells out in considerable detail the terms and conditions and the functions of the Workers Management Council. 22. The NIRC. About us. http://www.nirc.gov.pk/aboutus 13