Radio Employees Demand Ad hoc relief, Resignation of DG

ISLAMABAD : Employees of Radio Pakistan continued their protest on Thursday, demanding 15-20 percent Adhoc relief in Salaries as announced by the federal government in the budget 2009-10.

The employees blocked the road outside the PBC Headquarters building and chanted slogans against the Director General and the Administration for turning deaf ears towards the plight of the employees.

"Despite the passage of five months and repeated promises, we are still awaiting twenty percent adhoc relief", the employees said while expressing their anger for the Radio Administration.

The employees pointed out that the Director General himself is drawing hefty salary package but when it comes to the welfare of the employees, the former gives lame excuses of bad financial position of the organization. "For the last many months, we are being told that the adhoc relief will soon be given, but so far it has been denied", they regretted and asked the Director General to resign immediately for failing to address the problems of the employees. "We are protesting for our rights and it is the responsibility of the government to strictly implement its decisions without any discrimination in all departments, be it the raise in salaries or regularizing the services of contractual staff.

Referring to the soaring prices of essential items, they said if the announced relief was not given, it will add to their economic woes and make it difficult for them to make both ends meet.

The employees asked Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary to take suo mottu notice of the matter as a step motherly attitude is being meted out to the employees of Radio Pakistan. They said the apex court should hold the Director General and the Administration accountable for failing to meet the just demands of the employees who are demanding salary enhancement as per government orders.

They also appealed to the Prime Minister and Information Minister to look into the matter and resolve the matter on priority basis to enable the employees celebrate Eid-ul-Azha fervently. They warned of complete closure of broadcast if their demand was not met forthwith.