Sanitary workers in Rawalpindi held a large protest rally demanding permanent employment and payment of overdue allowances, warning authorities of a strike if their demands are not met within 15 days. The demonstration, organized by the Municipal Labour Union (CBA) under the banner of the Waste Management Company, began at the Municipal Corporation and marched to the Press Club, attracting thousands of sanitary workers, supervisors, and union officials.
Union President Raja Haroon and General Secretary Padri Shahid Raza led the protest, with participation from numerous prominent officials including Arshad Khan, Malik Ghaznafarullah, Sufi Fayaz, Tariq Yusuf, and others. Addressing the rally, President Raja Haroon criticized management for failing to pay employees a month’s allowance despite their hard work during Eid ul-Adha, when they worked day and night to keep the city clean. He pointed out that such delays violate the principle that workers should receive their wages promptly.
Raja Haroon further accused the Deputy Commissioner, who also serves as Chairman of the Waste Management Company, of neglecting employee rights. He claimed that about 900 employees have been awaiting confirmation as permanent staff, but the administration continues to delay the process, citing the absence of a constituted company board. He alleged that while other tasks are carried out at management’s discretion, the issue of making employees permanent is consistently postponed.
He also highlighted ongoing problems with government machinery, which remains nonfunctional despite available funds for repairs. Raja Haroon warned that if the administration does not issue permanent employment orders for the 900 workers by the given deadline, all employees will cease work and stage an indefinite protest camp on Murree Road until their demands are fulfilled.
