Thousands of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees have been left unpaid as the federal government halts salary disbursements for contractual staff from BPS-01 to BPS-13. Despite a court ruling directing USC to continue payments until termination legality is resolved, workers received their March salaries but were denied wages for April 2025.

An internal directive from USC’s Lahore Zone instructed the Head Office in Islamabad to withhold salaries due to ongoing termination proceedings and potential financial recoveries from store and warehouse in-charges. This move has sparked concerns over labor rights violations, as withholding salaries based on assumed future liabilities is legally questionable.

USC has a history of holding employees accountable for storage and transport losses, often pressuring them to cover financial shortfalls personally. Many workers complied under the promise of job security, only to face termination later.

While employees continued working throughout April, their wages were withheld, raising concerns over exploitation and unfair labor practices. The situation remains tense as affected workers await resolution, highlighting the need for fair treatment and financial security in state-run enterprises.