A delegation comprising members of several labour and workers unions met Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai to discuss the AAP government’s plan to increase minimum wages by 30-40% in the national capital. A 13-member committee, formed by the Kejriwal government to finalise the minimum wages for all classes – unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled – has submitted its report to the Labour Minister.
The government is expected to announce minimum wages in the next few days. Representatives of Shramik Vikas Sangathan, DTC Shramik Vikas Sangathan, Mandi Shramik Vikas Sangathan met Rai.
They were accompanied by contract employees from various factories, GTB Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital, Rohini; Hedgewar Hospital, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IBHAS), LNJP Hospital, Delhi Metro, NDPL, BSES, DTC Cluster Bus and all Mandis in Delhi.
In their petition submitted to the Minister, they have sought a 30-40% hike in the minimum wages. They submitted that the cost of living in Delhi is much higher than that in other states and it is difficult to survive on the current wage rate.
Earlier in the week, representatives from various trade and business associations had met Rai and submitted their recommendations on minimum wages. On Wednesday Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wrote to Rai saying 30-40 per cent hike in minimum wages may lead to shifting of several industries from the national capital to neighbouring states.