Thousands of employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) were laid off on Sunday as part of the restructuring drive of the state owned corporation.
As per details, 2,860 daily wage employees have been laid off in the first phase. In the second phase, contract employees will be laid off.
It should be noted that, in August last year, the government announced its intention to close the state-owned USC. The Ministry of Industries and Production Secretary had confirmed this during a Senate standing committee session. It was also informed that the government is actively working on a plan to transfer employees from USC to other institutions, ensuring their employment is secured.
The move came as part of a broader strategy to withdraw the government from non-essential business operations. According to the Secretary, the decision to provide relief to utility stores has been counterproductive, as it disrupts the competitive market atmosphere.
