The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) union has announced a nationwide protest on February 17 against the recent dismissal of 2,500 to 2,600 daily wage employees by the government.

Protests will be staged outside press clubs across the country, with a major demonstration planned at 2 PM outside the USC head office in Islamabad’s Blue Area.

Union leaders warned that they might stage a sit-in in the federal capital and continue protesting until their demand for reinstatement is met.

The government has begun laying off daily wage workers at utility stores nationwide as part of its “rightsizing” policy, sources revealed.

The decision, which impacts around 2,500 to 2,600 workers, was approved by the USC board of directors. Zonal offices have already issued termination directives to begin the downsizing process.

Officials explained that the move is part of efforts to rationalize the workforce and reduce expenses amid the USC’s ongoing financial struggles. However, it is expected to be met with resistance from affected employees and labor unions.

The USC board had previously discussed the matter, concluding that reducing daily wage staff was essential to meeting budgetary and operational efficiency goals. The government’s “rightsizing” policy aims to streamline operations in state-run entities and may affect other sectors in the future.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, clarified that the government has no intention of closing utility stores but is working on restructuring them.

In response to concerns raised in the National Assembly by PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, the minister assured that the stores would continue to operate with necessary reforms to improve efficiency.

He added that many stores were opened in inappropriate locations due to political influence, and political appointments would be addressed during the restructuring process. Regular employees’ jobs will remain secure, he assured.

There have also been rumors of the government discontinuing subsidies on essential items like sugar, wheat, and cooking oil.