Kamonki, Pakistan – In a distressing turn of events, factory workers employed by Master Tiles & Ceramic Industries Limited have taken to the streets to protest against the company’s failure to pay their wages for the past four months. The workers, who had engaged in discussions with the management regarding the release of their salaries, were promised that their dues would be settled before the auspicious occasion of Eid. However, as the promised payment did not materialize, tensions escalated, leading to widespread dissent and a heated demonstration outside the factory gates.
Broken Promises and Unfulfilled Salaries:
Having founded Master Tiles in 1982, the company’s reputation reached new heights in 2020 when one of the scions of the group wedded into the esteemed family that owns Jalal Sons in Lahore. The opulent affair, estimated to have cost a staggering Rs 2 billion, attracted significant attention. Unfortunately, it now appears that the company’s financial priorities may have come at the expense of its own workers.
For the past four months, factory workers have been grappling with the distressing reality of unpaid salaries. Despite assurances from the management that wages would be disbursed before Eid, the promised payments failed to materialize. In an attempt to appease the protesting workers, the management agreed to provide each worker with Rs 10,000, promising to settle the remaining amount after the festive period. However, this broken promise further exacerbated the workers’ frustrations and amplified their dissent.
Allegations of Lavish Spending and Inhumane Treatment:
One worker, Muhammad Bilal, revealed the dire circumstances faced by the employees. Not only have their salaries been withheld for four months, but they have also been subjected to threats to deter their protests. Bilal expressed his dissatisfaction, highlighting that Sheikh Mehmood Iqbal, the owner of Master Tiles and a notable donor to Tablighi Jamaat, has seemingly neglected the welfare of his employees. Bilal further lamented the stark contrast between the extravagant Rs 200 crore wedding celebration hosted by Sheikh Mehmood’s family in 2020 and the plight of the 4,000 unpaid workers.
Another worker, Muhammad Muzamil, disclosed that despite promises of partial payment before Eid, the management reneged on their commitment, citing alleged “poor factory conditions.” As a result, the workers staged a dharna (sit-in protest) at the factory gates to demand their rightful compensation. However, instead of addressing their legitimate concerns, the workers were met with threats and intimidation from the management. Disturbingly, the owners, backed by the district administration, Commissioner Gujranwala, and the police, resorted to open hooliganism.
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Workers’ Plight Amplified on Social Media:
The workers’ distressing situation quickly gained traction on social media platforms, further exposing the company’s negligent treatment of its employees. Despite attempts to reach out to Master Tiles’ HR team for comment, no response was received, leaving the workers in an increasingly precarious position.
As the factory workers continue their protest, vowing to fight until their salaries are paid in full, the issue of Master Tiles’ non-payment has gone viral on social media. The widespread dissemination of the workers’ plight has brought the company’s questionable practices and treatment of its employees into the public eye, raising concerns and demanding accountability.
As the country prepares to celebrate Eid, the contrast between the workers’ financial hardships and the company’s extravagant expenditures has sparked outrage and calls for justice. The authorities and relevant stakeholders are urged to swiftly intervene, ensuring that the factory workers receive their long-overdue wages and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
