KESC workers’ hunger strike continues

Workers of the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) continued their hunger strike for the second consecutive day on Tuesday against the contract system or the “outsourcing policy” of the power utility, which has rendered many employees jobless.

Leader of the KESC Workers’ Solidarity Committee Syed Mohsin Raza said the Abraaj Capital-led management of the company had “no regard for laws of the land”. “The KESC’s management is illegally introducing a contract system in various departments of the privatised utility. As a result, skilled and experienced labourers are increasingly becoming jobless.”

He warned if anti-labour steps were not withdrawn, the workers would launch a massive protest campaign for their rights. “KESC workers are not alone in their struggle. They have the full support of many trade bodies,” said senior labour leader Ghulam Mahboob.

He blamed the KESC for failing to provide uninterrupted electricity to the people of Karachi while industries of the metropolis were also subject to hours of loadshedding, resulting in serious consequences for businesses.

Many private and public sector labour union leaders were also present at the hunger strike camp outside the Karachi Press Club. They included Mohammad Ikhlaq Khan, Lateef Mughal, Aslam Samoo, Usman Baloch, Ahsan Zaidi, and Fida Abro.