ISLAMABAD: The Utility Stores Workers Union has announced a nationwide protest on Monday, February 17, 2025, against the dismissal of daily wage employees.
According to a private TV channel report, the union stated that demonstrations will take place across the country. If their demands are not met, the workers plan to stage a sit-in.
The union said that employees in the Islamabad zone will protest outside the USC head office. Workers in other zones and regions will also hold demonstrations in their respective areas.
The union has also announced that it will approach the courts to seek a stay order against the layoffs.
Raja Mushtaq, Secretary General of the National Workers Union, claimed that the layoffs have caused severe financial harm to Daily Wages employees. He warned that after Daily Wages workers, contract and permanent employees could face similar actions.
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He added that the union is preparing a case for the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) and will approach the court to request a stay order against the layoffs.
Raja Mushtaq also mentioned that a Daily Wages employee, Junaid Qureshi, committed suicide due to distress. The union plans to file an FIR against the government and administration over his death.
It is important to note that the government has started a large-scale reorganization of the Utility Stores Corporation. Recently, around 3,000 employees were laid off. The termination orders were issued on a holiday. In the first phase, all Daily Wages employees have been let go.
