Mohtarma Bhutto concerned over disaffection in KESC Union
(23-Dec-2004)

Former Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto has expressed concern that Karachi could face a power shut down if the regime was unable to initiate dialogue with the KESC Unions.

About 3000 KESC Workers have threatened a Protest March Against Privatisation of KESC in Karachi because they were not co-opted in the privatisation discussions and policy.

In retaliation, the KESC workers have warned, 'If the regime goes ahead with privatisation then we will respond with a blackout ".

In a statement today the former Prime Minster said that the threat means that entire city of Karachi and its adjoin areas could plunge into power shutdown.

She asked the regime to take immediate notice and begin negotiations with the KESC union.

According to reports, the movement by Karachi electricity workers entered a new phase when thousands of workers marched through the city centre carrying banners and placards stating 'Stop KESC Privatisation' 'Privatisation will lead to raise in electricity prices'.

There is fear amongst the unions that government corporation employees could lose their jobs with privatisation. People have been committing economic suicides due to the increase in unemployment and poverty levels since the popularly elected government of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was overthrown.

The continuous neglect of governance has led to increasing frustration. Paramedical staff have also demonstrated demanding pay rise. Meanwhile, regular newspaper workers are set to demonstrate in front of provincial parliament against delay in pay raise.

The PPP Chairperson said that the derailing of democracy was having deleterious effects on the social and economic fabric of the country and called for the empowerment of the people through their true elected representatives to ensure the political stability and well being of the country.

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