Thousands of phones dead in capital: PTCL workers strike lands phone users in trouble on Eid | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Thousands of phones dead in capital: PTCL workers strike lands phone users in trouble on Eid

By Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD: The strike of Pakistan Tele Communication Limited (PTCL) workers against dismissal of workers and delay in promotions and salary raise has created problems for the phone users on occasion of Eidul Fitr, as thousand of phones are out of order in the city ahead of Eid.

Daily Times has learnt that it is first time in the history of Pakistan that on the occasion of Eid 500,000 landline phones and 60,000 DSL broadband connections are dead all over the country creating problems for the phone users, as they would not be able to remain in touch with their beloved ones on Eid.

According to sources, the government being major shareholder of PTCL with 72 percent shares is sustaining revenue loss of billions, but taking no remedial steps against the management to save country’s deteriorating economy and customer’s interest.

PTCL CBA leaders Azhar Mughal and others told Daily Times that the PTCL management had not given salaries to 15,000 workers on occasion of Eidul Fitr so workers were disappointed and worried. They said Lahore High Court (LHC) in its judgment on August 30 instructed that the matter should be resolved with dialogue and instructed PTCL administration not to create problems for the workers. They alleged that PTCL management did not complied with LHC directives but also stopped the salaries of 15,000 workers.

They said PTCL administration had issued dismissal, show cause and termination letters to 2,000 workers and also tortured a number of them. They appealed to Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry to take sou moto notice and give justice to workers.

Workers said the management was giving them Rs 800 for school fee of whole year for children and also seized Rs 18,000 loan for construction of house.
Source: Daily Times
Date:9/11/2010