Hydro Workers Prepare for Major Protest Against Privatization, Staff Shortages

Our Correspondent

Peshawar: The All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has announced a major protest sit-in at the WAPDA House on Shami Road, Peshawar, scheduled for January 14, 2025.

The protest is a response to the government and PESCO administration’s continued inaction on pressing worker grievances, including staff shortages and privatization plans for power distribution companies.

The union, representing thousands of hydroelectric workers, finalized its strategy during an executive body meeting at Iqbal Labor Complex, chaired by provincial leader Haji Muhammad Iqbal. The meeting included representatives from PESCO, TESCO, and HAZICO, alongside union leadership, such as Provincial Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Haiderzai, Central Chairman Gohar Taj, and other regional commanders.

Workers Push Back Against Privatization Plans

Provincial Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Haiderzai highlighted the union’s core concerns, focusing on the potential privatization of electricity distribution companies, which workers fear could lead to job insecurity and service disruptions.

He stressed that the government’s silence on this issue, despite repeated protests and formal communications, has forced the union to escalate its actions.

Haiderzai noted that the union had engaged in peaceful rallies and communicated grievances to top officials, including the President of Pakistan and the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he lamented the lack of progress, describing the authorities’ inaction as a betrayal of the workforce.

“We have raised our voices through every available platform—print, electronic, and social media—but the silence persists,” he stated, adding that the January 14 sit-in would serve as a decisive moment in their struggle.

Sit-In to Highlight Chronic Staff Shortages

The union is also drawing attention to severe staff shortages across PESCO and other regional power companies, which have left existing workers overburdened and customers dissatisfied. Union leaders claim the lack of adequate staffing undermines the efficiency of power services, leaving both employees and the public at risk.

Thousands of workers from the Peshawar and Khyber Circles are expected to converge on WAPDA House for the sit-in, with plans to spend the night if their demands remain unmet. Workers in other regions will hold simultaneous protests, intensifying pressure on the administration to act.

Accountability Warning

Union leaders warned that any disruption caused by the protests would be the sole responsibility of the government and PESCO administration. “This movement is not just for the rights of workers but also for the betterment of the power sector. The onus lies on the authorities to prevent a breakdown by addressing these issues promptly,” said Central Chairman Gohar Taj.

The union has vowed to continue its struggle until all demands are met, with leaders emphasizing their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and opposing privatization efforts that could jeopardize livelihoods.