Employees of Pakistan Railways continued protests for a second day on Tuesday, demanding the immediate payment of their outstanding salaries.
A large number of protestors gathered at various locations, including the diesel engine shed in Lahore, washing lines, railway headquarters, and divisional offices across the country. The protests were organized by the Pakistan Railways Employees (PREM) Union.
The workers, primarily from the BC and class IV employees of Pakistan Railways, have not yet received their salaries. In response, the diesel engine shed employees stopped the engines and participated in the protests, raising slogans against the railway’s administration and the Ministry of Railways.
The protestors expressed their frustration at the recurring delays in salary payments, which have led to economic hardships for the workers and their families. They stated that the non-payment of salaries has left them struggling to pay for essentials such as their children’s education, electricity bills, and other necessities.
PREM Union Divisional President Fayyaz Ahmed Shehzad condemned the attitude of the railways’ administration, saying, “During Ramazan, the stoves of the railway’s workers are cold, and they are forced to fast without Sehr and Iftar.” The workers have expressed their intention to expand the scope of their protests if their salaries are not paid promptly.
On Monday, railway workers protested at the diesel engine shed and Lahore station over non-payment of their salaries.
The PREM Union organized two separate protests against non-payment of salaries, which strongly condemned the railway’s administration’s attitude toward its employee.