Unions meet Rai as he seeks to revise minimum wages

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 11

Representatives of several labour and workers’ unions today met Labour Minister Gopal Rai to discuss the AAP government's plans to increase minimum wages by 30-40 per cent in the national Capital.

In their petition submitted to Rai, they have asked for a 30-40 per cent rise in the minimum wages pointing out that the cost of living in the national Capital is much higher than other states and it is difficult to survive on the current wage rate.

A 13-member committee, formed by AAP government to finalise the minimum wages for all classes - unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled - has submitted its report to the Labour Minister and the government will announce minimum wages in the next few days.

Members of Shramik Vikas Sangathan, DTC Shramik Vikas Sangathan, Mandi Shramik Vikas Sangathan participated in the meeting with the minister. They were joined by contract employees from various factories, hospitals, including GTB Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, Rohini; Hedgewar Hospital, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IBHAS), LNJP Hospital in addition to Delhi Metro, NDPL, BSES, DTC Cluster Bus and all markets in Delhi.

According to the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry the proposed hike will “severely hurt” the growth of micro and small enterprises in the national capital.