Govt employees threaten protest

Lament allowance, pension, family job cuts

LAHORE:

The All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA) has announced a province-wide protest on August 21 against "anti-worker and exploitative" policies of Punjab government.

AGEGA Chairman Khalid Javed Sanghera and other leaders warned that the alliance would stage a sit-in in Lahore if its grievances would not be addressed.

Government employees across Punjab, including teachers, clerical staff, pensioners and technical workers, have been staging demonstrations for several months against a series of financial decisions.

They argue that the 30 per cent Disparity Reduction Allowance, which has been implemented in federal departments, has not been extended to Punjab government employees. Pension and gratuity benefits have been slashed, putting retired staff and senior citizens under economic strain.

They also lament that their leave encashment rights have been curtailed. Another major grievance is the abolition of Rule 17-A, which allowed job appointments to the families of deceased or disabled employees, leaving thousands without social protection.

The alliance criticised the government for pushing privatisation and outsourcing of public institutions, arguing that the move had created widespread job insecurity.

Thousands of teachers and workers hired on contract have not been regularised despite years of service, while work-charge staff and labour-class employees continue to be denied the status of civil servant, a step that union leaders believe would ensure their career security and social benefits.

According to AGEGA, these actions amount to systematic economic victimisation of employees who already face financial hardship in a time of rising inflation.

The leaders announced that a rally would be organised in Multan on August 21, while simultaneous demonstrations would take place outside the Civil Secretariat in Lahore and in other districts of Punjab.

A union leader, Professor Faiza Rana, said the government had attacked the livelihood of working families, pensioners and teachers, adding that the employees were determined to protect their rights at any cost.