Mapping Labour Unions in Pakistan The language barrier is another issue as grassroots workers are unable to actively participate in conversations at international forums unless assisted by translators/interpreters. Trade unions are critical of workers representation at ILO which are nominated by the government and seen to be favouring only certain leaders compromising the voice of the workers. 2.4. Trade Unions and Labour Judiciary The Industrial Relations Acts of provinces and federal IRA-2012 permit any Collective Bargaining Agent(CBA) or any employer to apply to the labour court for enforcement of any right guaranteed or secured by law or any award or settlement. The provincial governments derive their authority to establish as many labour courts as it considers necessary under the IRAs. Each labour court is subject to jurisdictional limitations derived by its geographical parameters or with respect to the industry or the classes of cases allocated. Each labour court consists of one Presiding Officer appointed by the Provincial government. 2.4.1. Labour Courts in Provinces Province No. of Labour Courts Locations Punjab 11 2 in Lahore; 1 each in Ferozewala(Sheikhupura), Faisalabad, Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Multan, Sahiwal and D.G.Khan Sindh 5 3 in Karachi, 1 each in Hyderabad and Sukkur Khyber 3 Pakhtunkhwa 1 each in Peshawar, Swabi and D.I.Khan Balochistan 2 1 each in Quetta and Hub The Labour Court decides industrial disputes, which have been referred to or brought before it by workers or employers. They can inquire into or adjudicate any matter relating to the implementation or violation of a settlement. The labour court retains the same powers as are vested in such 33