Railways workers protest against privatisation, demand higher wages

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) workers on Wednesday held a demonstration against what they said were anti-worker policies of the government. They also had objections over the privatisation of passenger trains.

The protesting railway workers also demanded a 100% in their salaries by 100% in the wake of soaring inflation.



Carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans in favour of their demands, the workers gathered in front of the Railway workshop in Lahore.  Addressing the demonstration, Railways Worker Union President Sakhi Khan demanded the government announce a service structure for Railways workers, besides increasing their pay by 100%.

He also wanted a 60% job quota to be allocated to the children of retired employees and those died during service.

The trade union leader urged the government to the eliminate contractual system in PR.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2017.