Dam workers demand allowances

MIRANSHAH:

Employees of a private company tasked with developing the Kurram-Tangi Dam have claimed that they are being deprived of their due allowances.

The company, however, has claimed that it has no knowledge of any discrimination towards workers and has promised a probe.

Sources familiar with the situation have told The Express Tribune that Mott McDonald's Pakistan (MMP) hired workers to work on the project in the Spin Wam area - phase-I, which is in its final stages.

These workers have not been provided with their due allowances - including hardship allowance, social allowance, professional allowance, medical allowance, and education allowance - even as the company’s top executives continue to enjoy various perks and privileges.

Two other companies working on the dam and who have deputed their staff are said to be providing all of these facilities to their employees.

The MMP is working under an agreement with the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).

In a letter to the company, the authority has already clarified that it is the company which is responsible for providing allowances to all of its employees, irrespective of their rank, sources added.

Sources added that many employees are remaining silent for fear of reprisal, including termination from service.

When approached, the managing director at MMP told The Express Tribune that he was not aware of any discrimination in paying allowances to workers.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2020.