Faisalabad Electric Supply Company’s (FESCO) Labour Union has announced to launch a protest movement against the company’s decision to withdraw free electricity supply to the employees’ domestic connections. The union workers hoisted black flags over the FESCO offices and buildings to condemn the decision. The union leaders threatened to lock out the offices and take out protest rallies to press for their demand to withdraw the facility.
Wapda Hydro Electric Central Labour Union, FESCO Employees Pegham Union and other workers’ organisations condemned the decision taken by the federal government to withdraw subsidies for enhancing the revenue for the state exchequer. Hydro Union’s Regional Secretary Mian Rahseed Ahmed said they had launched their protests in Faisalabad, Minawali, Jhang, Layyah and Sargodha. “The free units allocated to employees are their right and it is unfair to deprive them of the facility,” he said. He threatened to close the offices and start open protest rallies until the withdrawal of the decision.
On the other hand, the members of civil society welcomed the decision and said the decision aimed at treating all the citizens equally. An analyst said the electricity bills of the ordinary consumers would come down as a result of the decision. It is generally believed that the free electricity used by employees is shown in the line losses category that is recovered from the consumers in their monthly bills. However, a FESCO official has dispelled the impression.
PIA STAFF FLAYS DECISION TO END FREE TICKETS POLICY: The recent decision of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to end free ticket policy for employees and their families has caused a widespread anger and unrest among the employees. PIA employees’ union, People’s Unity Faisalabad President Abid Ali Baloch said the decision to withdraw this facility of the employees would demoralise them. “The decision is a testimony to the fact that the government is acting under panic and nervousness. The practice of provision of free tickets to the employees is prevalent among the airlines all over the world to boost the morale of employees and a sense of ownership in an organization,” he said. He lamented the 50 per cent salaries of government employees were increased last year and another 15 per cent increase package was announced this year, but these increases did not apply to the PIA employees. He threatened to disrupt flight operations if their demand was not met immediately.
FATHER OF 3 ELOPES WITH SISTER-IN-LAW: A man developed relations with the younger sister of his wife and eloped with her leaving behind his wife and three children. Muhammad Mansha, a resident of Chak 718/GB, developed relations with his sister-in-law who was also living in his house. On the day of the incident, she eloped with him. The father-in-law of Mansha lodged a case of kidnapping against him.
