Demanding that the minimum wages for the unorganised sector be fixed at Rs. 10,000, several members of the CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions) started their three-day protest in front of the Labour Commissioner's Office on Tuesday.
CITU general secretary K.N. Umesh demanded that the State government adhere to the Unorganised Workers Social Act 2008 which guarantees medical aid, pension, maternity leave and interest-free loans, among other benefits to the unorganised sector.
“Since 2008 we have been demanding Rs.10,000 to be fixed as the State-level common minimum wages. Over the years, the numbers of contract labourers have increased, but wages have not. There is no security given to these labourers,” he said.
Mr. Umesh alleged that contractors pocket the money set aside for pension funds and employees' insurance. CITU leaders said they will hold a State-wide protest on April 19.
