WHEN citizens file lawsuits, they expect speedy justice, preferably in their favour. But whether a petitioner deserves relief or not depends on the testimonies of witnesses, other documentary evidence and fair judicial assessment. Recently, courts in Hyderabad and Multan reiterated the views of the legal fraternity in two labour issues. A third case pertains to harassment at the workplace.

On winding up their operations, MNCs give generous packages to terminated employees. For example, the factory of Philip Morris in Kotri shut down in March 2019. Its employees received a handsome package. The company had engaged various contractors who would recruit their own employees to provide janitorial and other services. In one instance, a gardener was recruited in August 2012 through a contractor. He continued to work under various contractors till the factory closed. His last employer was the company’s service provider HRSG SSP. While the company’s direct employees were given a severance package on the same day, the gardener was told to continue his job. As a result, he served as the service provider’s employee till he was let go in 2023. He claimed that he was denied a termination package........

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