KARACHI:
According to the government, the minimum wage is set at Rs32,000. However, in reality, it appears that they only make announcements without ensuring proper implementation. This raises the question: who is responsible for actually implementing and improving the lives of workers? Unfortunately, the private sector seems to be exempt from these obligations. They pay their employees whatever they see fit, despite requiring them to work eight hours a day. The salaries provided are often inadequate, ranging below Rs20,000 and Rs25,000, and they proudly advertise these figures. Surprisingly, no one seems to take notice or address this issue. Many well-known private companies, including popular brands and supermarkets, pay their employees salaries that do not align with the standard eight-hour workday. Is this fair or justified? Even in the government sector, such as the example of Green Line Station, security guards are only paid Rs22,000.
If the government itself fails to provide adequate salaries, how can it effectively monitor and regulate the private sector to prevent worker exploitation? In our country, inadequate money circulation has become commonplace. Consequently, the middle class is slipping into poverty, while the poor become increasingly desperate. Those in positions of power manipulate and take advantage of vulnerable individuals’ needs, perpetuating injustice.
Hajra Rauf
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2023.
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