Railway workers protest delayed salaries

The Railway Labour Alliance – a representative body of Pakistan Railways employees - has intensified its protests concerning the ongoing issue of delayed salary payments.

Approximately 400 railway workers disrupted the Rehman Baba Express’s journey from Peshawar to Karachi as it passed through Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

The protest caused a two-hour delay, leaving around 500 passengers stranded in the compartments. The demonstration was led by Babar Qadri, the chairman of the Railway Labour Alliance, with the participation of employees from various departments.

During the protest, Babar Qadri highlighted the critical issue of unpaid salaries, emphasising that it was already October 24, and employees had yet to receive their wages. This delay has had severe consequences, as workers are struggling to meet their financial obligations, including children's education fees and utility bills.

He pointed out the stark contrast between senior officers receiving their salaries on time while lower-ranking employees faced payment delays.

Babar Qadri declared that they would not allow anyone to live in peace if their families suffered due to hunger and sickness.

Also read: Unpaid salaries agitate Railway workers

The protest brought the train to a standstill on the platform for two hours, during which the workers chanted slogans and occupied the railway track for a sit-in. Demonstrators held signs and banners demanding the prompt disbursement of their salaries.

Furthermore, various railway associations, including the Railway Workers Union, Railway Smpars Union, Prem Union, Railway Workers Union, and Railway Revolutionary Union, have announced plans to establish a sit-in camp to protest the delayed salaries.

Protests at railway offices and workshops across the region are scheduled to commence on Wednesday.

The Railways divisional superintendent's office has assured that the delayed salaries will be released within a few days.

After three hours of intense protest, the demonstrators dispersed, allowing the Rehman Baba Express to continue its journey to Karachi, albeit with a significant delay.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2023.