LAHORE, Nov 8: The role of skilled and semi-skilled manpower should be clear and as dignified as that of the capitalists or the feudals, said Federal Minister for Labour and Local Government Omar Asghar Khan while addressing members of the National Bank Employees Union here on Thursday.

The government has reduced the number of labour-related laws to six so that labourers could comprehend them easily and take full advantage of them, he said.

Mr Khan said the government has also offered the best salary package to the labourers by fixing minimum wages and given them representation at all tiers of the government.

About the Banking Companies Ordinance under which employees of the bank can be fired, the minister said the ordinance would soon reach its logical end.

Earlier, union secretary-general, in his welcome address, criticized the ordinance for being anti-worker. It has crippled the banking industry and scared the workers, he concluded.