7th Pay Commission: Central trade unions on a 3-day dharna in front of the Parliament

Updated: Nov 10, 2017 | 09:11 IST | ET Now Digital

New Delhi: As many as 10 central trade unions have gone on a three-day “Dharna” in front of the Parliament to protest against the delay in minimum pay hike under the 7th Pay Commission as demanded by the unions. Central government employees have been demanding a hike in minimum pay to Rs 26,000 from Rs 18,000, originally recommended by the 7th Pay Commission.

Earlier in July 2017, the government had approved a hike in allowances as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission while the hike in salary was approved in June 2016.

The unions also decided to launch their protest against the government over giving no heed to their 12-point charter of demands on minimum wage, social security and others.

The National Anomaly Committee (NAC), which was formed to resolve all matters related to the anomalies in the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, is looking into this, a leader of central government employees unions had told The Sen Times earlier.

As per him, the NAC was supposed to meet in October. However, the meet was postponed due to the elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The trade unions are now expecting a decision in this regard in January after results of the state elections are announced, as per media reports.

The trade unions that have called for the protests are: All India United Trade Union Centre (AICCTU), Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC), Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC); All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Labour Progressive Federation (LPF).

According to media reports, the NAC may suggest hiking minimum pay to Rs 21,000 from Rs 18,000 and the Fitment factor is likely to be raised to 3.00 times from the existing 2.57 times.

The central government employees had demanded a rise in Fitment factor to 3.68 times for all employees.

The 7th Pay Commission, headed by Justice AK Mathur had suggested raising the minimum pay from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 per month and fitment factor to 2.57 times, which was approved by the Cabinet on June 28 last year.