Private sector TUs agitate for Rs.10,000 wage hike
Trade unions from the private sector demanding a wage increase by Rs.10,000 are now stepping up their campaign as they have not yet received any response from the authorities in this regard.
Free Trade Zone and General Services Union President Anton Marcus told the Business Times that while the government agreed to their request that Rs.1000 should be the daily wage increase they are yet to give their response regarding the increase in private sector wages by Rs.10,000. There are 10 trade unions involved in this campaign representing the banking, apparel, tea and the different political parties.
At the last National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) meeting held on October 27 this had been discussed and the Labour Minister had agreed that the daily wages would be increased to Rs.1000 through the Wages Board.
However, regarding the private sector unions’ demand for a salary increase, the minister said the request would be forwarded to the Finance Minister for action.
Since trade unions have not yet received any response in this respect to their request ahead of the November 12 budget they have now commenced their leaflet and poster campaign by creating awareness among the public.
At present the minimum wage in the private sector is at Rs.16,000 and if the Rs.10,000 wage increase is granted this would ensure that the new national minimum wage will be Rs.26,000, Mr. Marcus explained. This is being proposed for workers’ salaries that are upto Rs.60,000.
If there is no response to their request by November 12 the trade unions will also demonstrate outside Parliament.
During the NLAC meeting there had been opposition by the companies against this Rs.10,000 wage hike.
Meanwhile, in a letter to the Labour Minister the trade unions submitted proposals when opening up the workplaces in which it was stated that firstly it was incorrect to assume there is a reduction in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic or that a reduction is due to the vaccination campaign. The spread of the virus has been seen even in other countries where vaccination has been given to even 70-80 percent of the population.
Also it is necessary to take steps to regulate and prevent the spread of the virus, monitor all vaccinated persons and treat post-COVID-19 disorders and side-effects of people with complaints.