Lower class workers struggle for necessities
Life is tough for Muhammad Aftab and Rizwan Waris but they work quite hard to make ends meet. They work as cleaners in Ayesha Hotels of National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Muhammad Aftab started working in NUST Rumi hostels for boys eight years ago with a meager salary of Rs 3500. His pay is now Rs 18000 but inflation has since risen to a high point due to which his expenses are more than his salary. He has 3 children. He also learned to paint as a side skill to support his family. He paints whenever he gets free time.
Rizwan Waris lives with his parents and two siblings. His sister studies in class six and his brother works for 11000/ month. The rent for his house is 12000 which is considerably huge in comparison with the income of the two brothers.
The working hours for the hostels cleaners are from 9am-5pm but the work is too much, and they cannot leave before 7pm. They get 40/hour they work overtime which is way too low considering the amount of work they are required to do.
“We have a tough routine in NUST as we work tirelessly from 9am-7pm.” said Rizwan Waris.
Ayesha hostels have currently 3 workers and they have to clean 4 floors and each floor has rooms and 2 community washrooms.
They not only have to clean the Ayesha hostel but also do the personal work of the hostel manager like paying her bills and buying things from cafeteria.
“We can finish our work from 9-4 but this side work consumes our time and we have to work overtime,” said Muhammad Aftab
They do not get the weekends off and also, they do not get public holidays.
“Even if it there is a death in my family, I am not allowed to leave,” said Mr. Aftab
Both the workers live in Rawalpindi and use the transport provided by NUST. The transport costs them 850/month. The transport is only for the week days. For the weekends and public holidays, they have to arrange their own transport which costs them 150-200/day.
They bring their lunch from home. The salary they end up with is 14000-16000 in which it is impossible to provide for 4-6 people in the house. Both Mr Waris and Mr Aftab have to take loans from friends and relatives every month to meet the family expenses. They return the loan at the start of every month.
Mr Aftab left school in 3rd grade but he is passionate about sending his children to school.
“My financial situation is terrible , but I want to send my children to school so they do not end up like me,” said Muhammad Aftab.
His son goes to an English medium school where the monthly fees is 1500 and the admission fees was Rs 10000.
Waris Rizwan passed his matriculation but never got admission in the college because he cannot afford. He said he is looking for a job where the working hours are not long, and he can complete his FSC privately.
Muhammad Aftab has also applied for a different job.
“We only work here because we are in dire need. Even if we get somewhere a salary of Rs 20000, we will leave immediately.”
The two workers are not satisfied with their jobs, but they expressed satisfaction with their life overall.
“At least we get food 3 times a day. Most people in Pakistan do not even get that,” said Muhammad Aftab.
