Hundreds of municipal employees and pensioners staged a protest outside the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) headquarters on Monday, organized by the Municipal Workers Trade Unions Alliance. The demonstrators demanded payment of last year's salary increments for KMC and town municipal committees (TMCs) employees, as well as the implementation of a 33% pension increase for retired workers that was announced over the past three years but never delivered.
Protest Details and Participants
The protest saw a large turnout, with participants carrying banners and placards listing their demands. They intermittently raised slogans, expressing anger over what they described as the administration's indifference to their financial hardships. Leaders and representatives from multiple unions attended, including Sajjan Union, United Workers Union, People's United Workers Union, People's Unity, Labour Union, KMC and TMCs Retired Employees and Pensioners Alliance, Local Government Education Employees Association, KMC Paramedical Staff, and KMC Officers and Officials Employees Committee.
Union Leader's Warning and Legal Action
Addressing the gathering, Zulfiqar Shah announced that the protest was temporarily called off but warned of stronger action if demands remain unmet. He stated, "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 further warned that future protests would be held with full force on MA Jinnah Road during every budget session until their grievances are addressed.
Retired Employees' Frustration
Retired employees expressed deep frustration over the non-implementation of the 33% pension increase. Many elderly and frail retirees stood under the scorching sun to make their voices heard. A retired KMC employee who traveled from the outskirts of the city said, "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 We are being forced to survive on outdated amounts while the cost of living has skyrocketed.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."
