Daily Times

Just five days before Eidul Azha, the contractor of a private petroleum company has fired their security guards who earlier have been without salary for three months here in Qasba Gujrat, Kot Addu.

Up to 39 security guards of the Gasher Brum Security, a contractor of the Byco Petroleum installation in Qasba Gujrat, Muzaffargarh distrioct, staged a demonstration on Tuesday when the company abruptly laid them off without paying their outstanding salaries. Protesters staged a set-outside the main gate of the company office.

They told reporters 39 guards had neither been paid their more than three-month salaries nor given any prior notice before relieving them from duties. They said they had performed their duties in the pandemic days putting themselves and their families’ lives at great risk.

Captain Jhanzaib, a representative of Byco Petroleum, told Daily Times that Gasher Brum security was an Islamabad-based security company which had been awarded a contract in December 2017. He admitted they had received complaints about non-payment of salary against the contractor. However, while the solicitation process and signing of agreement with the contractor no performance security bond was obtained as safe guard to non-compliance and other obligations. But the last payment of Rs2.5 million has been released and the contract had been closed on July 15, 2020 by the Byco head office without addressing the serious complaints.

Local MPA Alamdar Abbas Quershi said he would raise the issue with Deputy Commissioner Shoaib Tareen.

When contacted, a DC office staffer said due action would be taken against the company. A written complaint has been submitted to the district labour officer.