Metro bus workers protest over dismissals, unpaid salaries

ISLAMABAD: Employees working for companies providing services to the Metro Bus Service staged a protest on Monday against forced dismissals, salary deductions and non-payment of wages, disrupting operations on the route between Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

According to the details reported, workers linked to private security and other firms serving the Metro Bus Service had been raising concerns for several days over unpaid salaries, what they described as unjustified deductions, and forced terminations. After they said no action was taken on their complaints, the affected employees gathered on the track between IJP and Potohar stations in Islamabad on Monday morning and began their protest.

During the demonstration, Metro buses were parked at IJP, Potohar and other points, suspending bus operations for several hours and causing difficulties for passengers. Female employees also joined the protest.

Workers raise multiple demands

The protesters carried placards calling for payment of two months' salaries and the reinstatement of dismissed employees. They alleged that the Metro Bus administration and service-providing companies had removed between 150 and 200 workers without prior notice.

According to the protesters, some employees were told that the age limit for employment was between 25 and 40 years, while others above 40 were informed that the computerised system did not accept them. They questioned why workers over 40 were being removed despite the fact that several employees above that age were already serving in the system.

The demonstrators said the dismissals had started in April and were still continuing. They also said salaries for March, April and May had not been paid, while dismissed workers had not received two months of pending wages.

Concerns over new contract

The workers said the Metro Bus contract had been awarded to a new company, but argued that employees should not suffer because of the change. They maintained that the contracts of dismissed workers remained valid until 2027.

They further claimed that employees with eight to 10 years of service had been removed on various pretexts and replaced with new workers by the incoming company, which they described as a breach of the agreement.

In addition to seeking reinstatement and pending salaries, the protesters demanded a full monthly salary of Rs40,000, four regular leaves and two emergency leaves each month, an end to what they called unnecessary penalties, and timely payment of wages.

The workers also sought an explanation for the alleged deduction of Rs5,000 in cash at the time salaries were paid. They claimed that employees were made to sign salary slips showing Rs42,000 per month, but were actually given Rs37,000 after deductions.

The protest brought Metro Bus operations on the affected section to a halt for hours as workers pressed their demands over dismissals, unpaid dues and employment conditions.