Utility Stores Corporation raises salaries for daily wage workers

ISLAMABAD: In a positive move, the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has increased the basic salary of its daily wagers.  The new salary is set Rs. 37,000 as the minimum monthly wages for its daily wage employees.

This adjustment follows the federal government’s minimum monthly wage of Rs. 37,000 set for fiscal year 2024-25. The daily wage rate has, therefore, increased from the previous rate of Rs. 1,231 per day to Rs. 1,427-an increase of Rs. 196 per day. This will impact positively on the lives of USC’s daily wage workers giving them the means to raise themselves and their families.

These wage increments are determined based on qualifications and roles; different categories of employees receive different amounts of increase.

For instance, matriculation and under-matriculation workers will see a daily wage increase of Rs. 196; FA, FSC workers, as well as drivers, will each receive a Rs. 115 increase per day; students pursuing BA or BSc will see their wages rise by a mere Rs. 19. These increases are an indication of the corporation’s intention to recognize and reward skills and qualifications of the laborers.

It must be noted that the previous minimum monthly wage for USC employees was Rs. 32,000, so the increase is by all accounts a welcome move for them.

As such, setting a floor of Rs. 37,000 by the federal government provided a backdrop for other corporations like USC to follow, and it is encouraging to note when they move to take steps in order to ensure fair compensation for employees. It is the right and conducive move to uphold equality and justice in the working space.