PIA implements compulsory services law

State airline says it can’t afford neglect of duties

KARACHI:

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has re-implemented the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 which will enable the national flag carrier to take punitive actions against employees who disobey lawful orders.

According to a notification issued by the PIA chief executive officer (CEO) on April 27, the PIA is passing through unprecedented times due to the prevalent economic condition of the country, a situation that has resulted in severe cash flow constraints.

It said lately “few” employees had shown mala fide intention of influencing the operation of the airlines over delayed payment of salaries.

It said the federal government in exercise of the power conferred by sub-section 3 the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 195 has declared all classes of the PIA employees under the act.

“Having been enforced, a number of obligations are imposed on the employees of the PIA with regard to performance of their duties, breach of which is not only to be treated as a misconduct under the company’s rules but also to be taken as an offence under the act,” it said.

The act applies to all employees who disobey any lawful order given in the course of employment, or attempt to persuade any person to disobey any such order.

It also applies to employees who without reasonable excuse abandon their job or absent themselves from work or refuse to work or depart from any area specified in an order under sub-section (1) of section 4 without the consent of the authority.

“Any person found guilty of an offence under this act shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and shall also be liable to a fine,” it says.