Aam Olas Ep 218: Contract Workers’ Strike at University of Peshawar
In Aam Olas Ep 218, I visited the University of Peshawar, where more than 300 contract workers had gone on strike.
These workers, commonly referred to as Class-IV employees, include:
- Gardeners
- Security staff
- Office assistants
- Support and maintenance workers
For years, they served the university on renewable contracts. This year, their contracts were not renewed, leaving hundreds of families without income.
Aam Olas Ep 218
Years of Service, Sudden Unemployment
According to the workers:
- Many had served the university for 8 to 12 years
- Contracts were renewed annually in the past
- For the last 3–4 months, salaries were not paid
- There is no alternative source of income
For daily-wage and contract workers, even short delays can push families into crisis.
Education Without Opportunity
One of the most striking aspects of this protest was the educational background of the workers.
Several employees shared that they are:
- Graduates
- Post-graduates
- Some hold double Master’s degrees in subjects like Islamiyat and Urdu
Despite qualifying written tests and interviews for teaching and administrative positions, they believe they were not selected due to lack of influence or connections.
As a result, they continued working in lower-grade positions to support their families.
Legal Concerns Raised by Workers
The workers stated that they approached the court, which reportedly issued a stay order in their favor.
However, they claim the university administration did not implement the order.
This raised serious concerns among the workers, who questioned whether:
- Court orders are being respected
- Institutional authority is overriding legal decisions
These concerns added to their sense of helplessness.
Questions About Administration and Funding
Workers also pointed out that:
- The university receives significant funding from the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
- Despite this, salaries were withheld
Some workers held specific administrative offices responsible for the situation, expressing frustration over lack of dialogue and transparency.
These claims reflect the workers’ perspective and remain part of the ongoing dispute.
A Broader Social Reflection
This episode highlights a wider issue faced by many in Pakistan:
- Contractual insecurity
- Weak labor protections
- Disproportionate impact on middle and lower-income families
The workers expressed that policy decisions often affect those with least protection, while higher-income groups remain largely unaffected.
Aam Olas: Giving Voice to the Unheard
Aam Olas Ep 218 does not promote unrest or political hostility.
Its purpose is to:
- Present the concerns of affected workers
- Encourage lawful resolution
- Highlight the human impact of administrative decisions
Educational institutions are meant to uplift society — not deepen inequality.