Shillong, Jan 17: The All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers & Labour Union has threatened to launch massive agitation over their demand for revision of minimum wages.
Although the state government recently revised the floor basic rates of minimum wages, according to the Union, the revised rates were inadequate and not fixed considering the inflation rates.
“The Union demands a review and rectification of the revised rates and should be notified within 10 days. The current rates must be adjusted to reflect fair increments, considering the inflation rate,” stated a letter addressed to chief minister Conrad K Sangma.
The revised rates shall also take into consideration “base floor rate of ₹300 revised as of October 1, 2018 plus with the variable dearness allowance between 2019-2024 for all categories of work and the increased amount for new revised floor basic rate, to get the exact amount of the revised floor basic rate,” said Dayowanphi Iakai, president of the Union in the letter.
“Failure to address this matter within the stipulated period will compel us to resort to a massive agitation programme in whole of Meghalaya,” the letter stated.
It said the rates increased as of October 1, 2018 were – unskilled workers from Rs 196 to Rs 300 (increase by Rs 104); semi-skilled workers from Rs 208 to Rs 340 (increase of Rs 132); skilled workers from Rs 220 to Rs 380 (increase of Rs 160); and highly skilled workers from Rs 244 to Rs 420 (increase of Rs 176).
However, the revised floor basic rates approved by the cabinet on January 10 are – unskilled workers from Rs 419 to Rs 525 (increase of Rs 106), semi-skilled workers from Rs 474 to Rs 565 (increase of Rs 91), skilled workers from Rs 530 to Rs 605 (increase of 75) and highly skilled workers from Rs 586 to Rs 645 (increase of 59)
The quantum of increase of rates has reduced from unskilled to highly skilled categories, which is both unprecedented and unacceptable, she said.
“Historically, the increments have been proportionate across all categories, ensuring fairness and alignment,” it mentioned.
