KARACHI: Despite strong protests and resentment expressed by labour leaders, the Karachi Electric Supply Company laid off on Wednesday about 4,000 employees who did not opt for its voluntary separation scheme.

According to a KESC press release, people working in “non-core jobs” were offered the scheme that closed on Jan 15.

Around 4,000 employees who did not opt for the scheme have been retrenched. They will be paid all their statutory dues along with one month’s salary.

The move came after the KESC’s board of directors decided to focus on “core” technical functions of the company and outsource necessary “non-core functions” to third-party service providers specialising in these tasks.

The KESC believes that the strategic move will significantly improve its operational performance through greater focus on core activities --- namely, electricity generation, transmission and distribution, according to the handout.

The decision would also go a long way in transforming the company into a viable commercial entity, it added.

Meanwhile, People’s Workers Union general secretary Latif Mughal has termed the KESC decision an “unlawful, anti-worker move and a conspiracy to undermine peace in the city”.

He said the management of the privatised KESC had tried to forcibly get the voluntary separation scheme accepted from about 4,700 employees, but 4,000 workers refused to accept the offer.

Mr Mughal said the action would be challenged in the court and urged the PPP leadership to take note of “anti-worker attitude of the KESC management”.