On Monday October 20th, Lady Health Workers (LHW) ended their six-day long sit-in at the D-Chowk in Islamabad. The protest was in response to the government failing to increase worker salaries and allowances keeping in mind the rising inflation and food price hikes. Furthermore, the unions demanded a basic pay scale structure and measures to end the down-sizing of government departments.
The government’s delegation was headed by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan. The two parties held a three-hour-long round of talks, after which the government accepted all six demands of the unions.
In the document signed, the government agreed to the following demands:
- The provision of security to polio teams
- The employees to be considered for promotions and gratuity
- Permanent employment for Lady Health Worker’s working on active charge
- Arrears of employees of National Program AJK to be paid
- Proper service structure for all employees
- National Program for family planning and basic health to be restored
Ali Mohammad Khan has assured that the government will comply with all the demands of Lady Health Workers. A written order in this regard has also been given to Lady Health Workers president Rukhsana Bibi.
Announcing the end of the sit-in, president Lady Health Workers said that we are delighted that our hard work has paid off. Rukhsana Bibi thanked the administration and the Prime Minister and hoped that the government would fulfil its promise.
