Pakistan electricity workers win a tough fight

After three months of strike and sit-ins, the workers at the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, have managed to stop the company’s lay off plans. The dispute first began at the start of this year, 2010, when the new management introduced a new Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) in an attempt to get rid of many of its employees. The workers rejected the VSS and the management promptly sacked 4,500 workers. Amid many rounds of negotiations, surviving attacks by company hired thugs, the workers held firm and were able to build solidarity links with other workers in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city. Under the new agreement, management withdrew the sacking of the 4500 workers, conceded not to force workers to early retirement, released the stopped salaries of these worker for Ramadan, and also agreed that a not a single worker will face redundancy. More information here.


After three months of strike and sit-ins, the workers at the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, have managed to stop the company’s lay off plans. The dispute first began at the start of this year, 2010, when the new management introduced a new Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) in an attempt to get rid of many of its employees. The workers rejected the VSS and the management promptly sacked 4,500 workers. Amid many rounds of negotiations, surviving attacks by company hired thugs, the workers held firm and were able to build solidarity links with other workers in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city. Under the new agreement, management withdrew the sacking of the 4500 workers, conceded not to force workers to early retirement, released the stopped salaries of these worker for Ramadan, and also agreed that a not a single worker will face redundancy. More information here.