The Second meeting of Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC)
continued discussion on 12 Demands Charter of Trade Unions for the second day
here today in continuation of discussions held yesterday. The Committee
comprises Shri Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, MoS(IC)
Labour and Employment, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, MOS(IC) Petroleum and Natural
Gas, Shri Jitendra Singh, MoS DOPT, and Shri Piyush Goel, MoS (IC),Power.
During the discussions Trade Unions expressed concern and asked for
clarifications on their demands. Addressing their concerns and expectations,
the Finance Minister explained policies on which the Government is working and
assured that the Government is committed to welfare of labour. Underlining the
importance of role of Trade Unions, Shri Jaitely assured the Central Trade
Unions that all labour laws reforms will be done with due discussions and
tripartite consultations.
In view of the discussions held in conducive and cordial
atmosphere, the IMC appealed to Trade Unions to reconsider the proposed call
for strike on 2nd September, 2015.The Trade Unions have agreed to
consider the appeal.
In view of the suggestions given by Central Trade Unions
in the meetings held on 19th July, 26th August and 27th
August, 2015, the Government assured the following :
1.
Appropriate legislation for making formula based
minimum wages mandatory and applicable to all employees across the country.
2.
For the purposes of bonus the wage eligibility
limit and calculation ceiling would be appropriately revised. Earlier in
2006-07 the calculation ceiling was decided at Rs.3500/- and eligibility limit
was wage of Rs.10,000/- per month which is proposed to be revised to Rs.7,000
and Rs.21,000 respectively.
3.
The Government is expanding the coverage of
social security and working out ways to include construction workers,
Aanganwari workers ,ASHA workers and Mid Day Meal workers..
4.
Regarding contract workers the Government
assured that they will be guaranteed minimum wages. Moreover, the Government
is working out ways so that workers of industries will get sector specific
minimum wages.
5.
Government has already enhanced minimum pension
for EPFO members and every pensioner gets minimum pension of Rs.1000/- per
month perpetually.
6.
Labour laws reforms will be based on tripartite
consultations as already stated by the Prime Minister. The States are also
being advised to follow the tripartite process.
7.
For strict adherence to labour law enforcement,
advisory has been issued to the State/UT Governments and strict monitoring has
been initiated by Central Government.
8.
For employment generation Mudra Yojana, Make in
India, Skill India and National Career Service Portal initiatives have been
taken.
9.
Abolition of interviews for all primary jobs
which do not require any special knowledge/expertise, is being done for
transparency and expediting the process of recruitment.
10.
Inflation is lowest in the last many years
excepting two items onion and pulses. Government is taking necessary steps to
contain the higher prices of these two commodities also.
It was further clarified that there is
no ban on filling up of vacancies in Government jobs and all concerned Departments
are taking necessary action to fill-up these vacancies. It was further assured
that the Government is committed to job security, wages security and social
security to the workers. The issue of equal wages for equal work for contract
workers is an issue requiring wider consultations and a committee will be
constituted, if required.
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