KARACHI: The management of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has chosen to pursue legal action against the workers who are protesting the national flag carrier’s privatization and asking for pay increases.
ARY News was informed by sources that the PIA administration had finished its legal due diligence before acting against workers who were protesting the privatization plan and asking for pay raises.
According to authorities, action would be taken against any violators of the 1952 Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, which was put into effect in May. They said that failure to complete responsibilities properly will be viewed as a crime.
Employees were prohibited from assembling large gatherings, organizing rallies, or holding sit-ins under the Essential Services Act.
The Senior Officers Association (SSA) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had its headquarters shut earlier because it had protested alongside other staff groups against the privatization and split decisions.
The management of the national airline has closed the SSA office after a string of demonstrations against privatization, bifurcation, and pay increases.
Shoaib Ahmad Dahri, the airline’s GM of Welfare, IR, and Sports, ordered the SSA office to be closed.
Safdar Anjum, the secretary general of the PIA SSA, claimed in a statement that the administration’s decision to shut the association’s office was unlawful. He characterized the administration’s action as an attempt to disturb the tranquility.
He swore that the demonstrations would continue until the demands were fulfilled.
The PIA staff organized a protest before the change to voice their opposition to the planned privatization of the airline. The protesters requested that their charter of demands be approved by the higher authorities.
They also wanted an increase in employee pay. The PIA employees also participated in a walkout because they want a pay increase.