The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) union has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for February 17 in response to the recent termination of approximately 2,500 to 2,600 daily wage employees. These layoffs come as part of the government’s “rightsizing” policy.
Protestors are set to gather outside press clubs across Pakistan, with a significant demonstration planned at the USC headquarters in Islamabad’s Blue Area at 2 PM. Union leaders have indicated the possibility of a sit-in in the federal capital if their reinstatement demands are unmet.
The Utility Stores Corporation board of directors dismissed the daily wage employees as a strategic move to streamline operations and manage financial constraints. Following the directives, the respective zonal offices have already started the termination process.
Read: Utility Stores Slash Prices on Over 800 Essential Items
The layoffs are part of a broader government initiative to rationalize the workforce and reduce expenses across state-run entities. This action aligns with ongoing efforts to restructure the USC, which has faced financial challenges. Although the government cites economic efficiency as the rationale behind the layoffs, it expects resistance from the affected workers and their unions.
