SUKKUR: Employees of the Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), under the banner of the All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union (CBA), staged a large protest in Sukkur against the proposed privatization of WAPDA, rising inflation, and unresolved employee issues.
A large number of workers marched in a rally from the SEPCO Circle Office to the Sukkur Press Club, where they staged a sit-in that later turned into a public gathering. Participants chanted slogans in support of their demands and warned of intensifying their movement if their concerns remained unaddressed.
The protest was led by union leaders Khalil-ur-Rehman Domki, Shujaat Hussain Ghumro, Aqeel Ahmed Junejo, Sarwar Ali, Syed Zahid Shah, Aqeel Ahmed Dayo, Nazar Muhammad Memon, Ashfaq Ahmed Mahar, Nadeem Ali Korai, Hidayatullah Korai, Abid Ali Khoso, Abdul Majeed Solangi, Sarwar Ali Sheikh, Abbas Ali Shah, Tahir Pirzada, Majid Ali Shah, and other representatives.
Addressing the gathering, union leaders urged the federal government and SEPCO management to immediately withdraw the proposed privatization of WAPDA, arguing that it is a vital national institution built through the dedication and sacrifices of its workforce.
They warned that privatization would adversely affect thousands of employees and their families and declared that workers would resist the move at every level.
The speakers also demanded the regularization of contract and daily-wage employees, an increase in salaries and allowances in line with inflation, timely promotions and implementation of the time-scale policy, and the early payment of retirement dues.
The union further called for the provision of adequate safety equipment for field staff and improved medical facilities for employees and their families.
Concluding the protest, the leaders warned that if their demands were not accepted, the union would expand its protest campaign and launch a countrywide movement, holding the government responsible for any consequences.
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