Inflation woes: Govt employees demand raises

PESHAWAR:

The All Government Employees Coordination Council (AGECC) has demanded the provincial and the federal government increase salaries of all the employees by 70% in the next budget.

“The rate of increase in salaries should be made in accordance with price hikes,” said the council’s chairman, Muhammad Aslam Khan, during a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Monday. The council’s list of demands also included an increase in pension according to the rate of inflation.

In addition to increasing salaries, the council demanded 105% of the relief amount provided to employees in times of social or economic unrest. They added house rent and medical allowance should be given to each employee on an equal basis.

During the conference, employees said they would stand against downsizing and the privatisation of government-run companies. “It would be better if management is improved rather than being handed over for private ownership,” said Aslam.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2015.