In light of the economic challenges, Bayer, an international pharmaceutical company, has made the decision to discontinue its operations in Pakistan. The company’s assets have been sold to a local company, making it the second international pharmaceutical company to exit the country recently. In November 2022, Eli Lilly, an American pharmaceutical company, also announced its withdrawal from Pakistan.
Concerned about potential job losses following the departure of another multinational company, employees are seeking assurances of job security and separation packages in line with the company’s global policies.
Bayer’s management has assured employees that their jobs are secure for a minimum of two years under the new local management. Consequently, no requests for severance packages have been made by the employees who will continue their employment.
Local employees of the German multinational staged a protest at the National Press Club, demanding compensation equivalent to 60 to 100 months’ salaries, as per the standard severance practices observed by companies worldwide.
During the protest, the affected employees appealed to the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice to address their concerns and ensure the protection of their legitimate rights by the company.
The employees have reached out to decision-makers, urging their intervention to ensure that the company adheres to its policies. They argue that Western countries enforce regulations when companies terminate employees, but developing countries often see these laws disregarded, which they find highly inappropriate.
