Dawn staff calls for withdrawal of decision to cut wages

ISLAMABAD – The Dawn workers union has called on the management to review and withdraw its decision of cutting staff wages by 40 percent.
The workers pointed out that slashing salaries would compound their financial problems and significantly affect their work.
“At a time when the employees are already struggling to make both ends meet, the decision will only compound their financial problems and significantly affect their work,” the staff said in a statement.
“The staff believes the unilateral decision to cut wages by 40 per cent will have a debilitating effect on the morale of the workers. The decision is also inconsistent with the paper’s worker-friendly image and will impact on the quality of its content,” the statement said.
In case their demand is not met, the workers union is likely to seek legal action. A committee has been formed to negotiate with the management on the pay cuts.
The Dawn Media Group, publishers of Dawn newspaper and monthly Herald, announced on Wednesday its decision to impose a 40 percent cut on staff salaries because of falling advertising revenue and an increase in operational costs.
The decision comes into effect from February 1, 2019.
The company informed staff it has become tough to sustain huge recurring deficits, and that it had to act without delay.