KMC workers, pensioners protest over unpaid salary raises

KARACHI: Employees of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and pensioners staged a protest outside KMC headquarters on Monday over the non-payment of last year’s salary increases and the failure to implement announced pension raises for retired workers.

The demonstration was organised by the Municipal Workers Trade Unions Alliance. According to the alliance, the pending salary increments affect KMC staff as well as employees of various town municipal corporations. The protesters also objected to the non-implementation of a 33% pension increase that they said had been announced over the past three years.

Hundreds of workers and retired employees gathered at the site carrying banners and placards listing their demands. Protesters raised slogans at intervals and voiced anger over what they described as the administration’s lack of response to their financial concerns.

Leaders and representatives of multiple unions participated in the protest, including Sajjan Union, United Workers Union, People’s United Workers Union, People’s Unity, Labour Union, the KMC and TMCs Retired Employees and Pensioners Alliance, the Local Government Education Employees Association, KMC Paramedical Staff, and the KMC Officers and Officials Employees Committee.

Addressing the gathering, Zulfiqar Shah said the protest was being suspended for the time being, but warned that stronger action would be taken if the demands were not met. He said the alliance would move the Sindh High Court for details of funds released for KMC and pensioners.

"We will file a petition in the Sindh High Court seeking a complete accounting of the monthly Rs1.93 billion released for KMC and Rs200 million for TMC pensioners. The increments have not been paid despite funds being available, and we demand full transparency," he lamented.

Shah also warned that future demonstrations would be held on MA Jinnah Road during every budget session if the issues remained unresolved.

Retired employees at the protest said they were facing growing hardship because the pension increase had not been implemented. Some elderly pensioners stood in the heat during the demonstration to press their demands.

One retired KMC employee who said he had come from the outskirts of the city described the situation as deeply unfair. "Our pensions have not been revised despite repeated assurances. We are being forced to survive on outdated amounts while the cost of living has skyrocketed. This is sheer injustice," he lamented.