KESC Voluntary Separation Scheme: laid off workers not paid dues in 6 months

The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) failed to clear the sums of its laid off workers who applied for Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) despite passage of six months, sources told Business Recorder on Tuesday.
At first, the utility had announced on January 1, 2011 VSS for 4,500 workers in non-management staff under which all statutory dues and ex-gratia Ppyouts (minimum of 25 basics, maximum of 85 basics with minimum pay-out of Rs 700,000) was to be paid to those who decided to benefit from the scheme. The workers were given till January 15, 2011 to apply for the scheme.
Sources said that about 280 workers had applied for the scheme, out of whom majority could not be entertained with declared money, showing disgusting attitude of utility's management. The laid-off workers were of five categories - security guards, bill distributors, sanitary workers, drivers, and clerical workers. KESC had also announced that workers will be given one month's (February) advance salary and get gratuity benefits.
However, KESC is using delaying tactics in releasing money to workers who opted VSS, which has put them in state of mental agony as they have no other means of earning. Besides, KESC had already stopped the salaries of protesting workers from last three months including of those who opted VSS.
Sources said that company's management is showing reluctance to make payment to VSS benefiting workers in spite of getting clearance from all relevant departments of utility. "I have opted VSS and had filled the form five months ago but I could not get my delivery," said a worker who opted VSS, adding that management has concocted "fake charges against me of sin which I have not committed".
He said they have to face rude behaviour from the officer of concerned department whenever they called for amount. In this connection KESC spokesman said that the VSS delivery mechanism has been simplified for the convenience of these employees, limiting it to the essential information on one form with one witness signatures and copies of CNICs.