Hike in minimum wage to Rs 12K not sufficient: Unions

Trade unions have opposed the government's proposal to hike minimum wage for unskilled workers by up to 20 per cent to Rs 12,000 per month for Tier-I cities, saying it should be atleast Rs 15,000 in view of price rise.
The employees' representative opposed government's proposal during a meeting of Central Advisory Board held today. The board advises Centre as well as states on fixation of minimum wages.
All India Trade Union Congress Secretary D L Sachdev suggested that the minimum wages for unskilled workers cannot be less than Rs 15,000 per month as demanded by the unions in view of price rise of commodities and essentials in the last few years.

"The government intends to increase minimum wage to Rs 12,000 per month from existing Rs 9,568 which represents a 20 per cent hike. We have opposed this proposal because there was not rationale behind this," Sachdev told PTI.
"We have asked the government to prepare detailed note elaborating about the basis on which they have proposed this hike. They should tell us about the various parameters considered for that like like calorie intake and spending on education, health, lodging etc."
The 7th Pay Commission in its report has recommended Rs 18,000 minimum wages for central workers after factoring in various expenditures on food, clothing, rent, health and education.

"The unions does not support the recommendation of the commission because they are suggesting Rs 18,000 per month for skilled workers," Sachdev said.