Employers can deduct Rs 100 per meal, Rs 1,800 per month for transport and Rs 2,000 for accommodation.
RAWALPINDI:
The Punjab government has fixed the minimum monthly wage for private sector employees at Rs40,000 across the province, including the Rawalpindi division, and tasked the labor department with ensuring its implementation.
According to a notification issued by the Labor and Human Resource Department, the minimum wage has been raised from Rs37,000 to Rs40,000 with effect from September.
However, the notice also allows employers to make specific deductions for food, lodging and transportation provided to workers.
Employers can now deduct Rs 100 per meal, Rs 1,800 per month for transport and Rs 2,000 for accommodation.
This means that an employee availing all three facilities will effectively receive Rs33,000 instead of Rs40,000.
Labor officials have launched an awareness and enforcement campaign across Rawalpindi Division.
Banners have been displayed urging companies to comply with the minimum wage of Rs 40,000. Failure to comply can lead to fines, lawsuits and imprisonment.
Workers told The Express Pakinomist that while the pay hike initially gave hope, the added deductions have canceled out the relief.
“Instead of getting Rs 40,000, we will end up earning even less than before,” said an employee.
