Trade unions call nationwide strike today

Several central trade unions have called for a one-day nationwide strike today. All major unions, except RSS-associated Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh BMS have joined the strike call. They have termed the government's assurances to look into their demands and the recent announcements for two-year bonus and hike in minimum wage as inadequate.

Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya has said that the government wants a harmonious working relation with the trade unions. Seeking the cooperation and support of trade unions, Mr. Dattatreya said the NDA Government is focused on improving their working conditions, health, wage, job security and social security.

Stating that the government has already revised the wages of non-agricultural workers by 42 per cent, the minister said hike in the minimum wage for agricultural workers will also be announced soon.

style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken unprecedented measures in this regard. It has revised minimum wages in all sectors in Central Sphere simultaneously for the first time. The minimum wages of a non agricultural worker have been increased and such worker is now getting 350 rupees per day in C area category, in B area category 431 rupees per day and 523 rupees per day in A area category. Even minimum pension under EPS of EPFO has been enhanced to One thousand rupees per month. A new scheme Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojna has also been launched, under which the government will contribute the employer's 8.33 per cent EPS share for next three years in case of new employment.

A committee is being constituted to examine the issues related to security for the unorganized sector. In other benefit measure to workers, the Ministry is enhancing the paid maternity leave from existing 12 weeks to 26 weeks.