As much as the effort and output of an employ matter, their
rights also have the equal importance. If we look up to other international
countries, people who are working in tertiary sector have job security or at
least employment rights. If XYZ company goes against them. They can take stand
against the organization.
But very unfortunately, there is no such concept of employment rights in
Pakistan. Recently the extremely sad and devastating news circulated about the
owner burning his employ in Multan. And the reason of this cruel act was
“The employee(Irshad Umer) demanded for his salary”
This barbarous act is done by the person named “Akram” who is known to be a
landlord. Arresting the culprit is easy and it’s is done countable times in
Pakistan but to make sure that he gets the deserving punishment by the high
authority have been seen rarely. We all can pray for the justice of Irshad Umer.
In the statement by Irshad’s father, Akram used to threaten to burn for
repeatedly demanding for salary.
What made Irshad to work at such toxic workplace?
May be because he is the only bread winner of his family or during the scattered
time of COVID-19, Irshad had no other option left to avoid the brutality of his
owner or there must the list goes on for the reason Irshad was stuck at that
place but if he knew about employment rights or if he knew any such thing exist
he would have taken the step. He must have not suffered
Regrettably, in Pakistan the stronger party wins the case even if they are the
wrong doer. We have many incidents in past where the culpritswere released
whether it was the crime of bullying, child abuse, harassment or etc.
In my opinion one should work in great and relaxing environment. Nothing can be
compromised on self respect. Money does not bring happiness all the time. How
you are treated matters a lot. Motivating employees by appreciating for their
honesty or great work means a lot to them. Indulging them in decision making or
asking for their opinion/ suggestion gives them the sense of motivation. If an
employee feels unsafe and fear for job security, he/she should immediately take
stand but for this there must be some rules or laws release by the government so
that one doesn’t hesitate standing for its own right.
This will result in the decline of cases like Irshad’s or many others who have
been or are suffering through such trauma.