Tus Demand Windfall For Bhel Staff

The committee of public sector trade unions has demanded a huge increase in the wages and salaries of the staff of Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

The hike demand - which ranges between 135 and 173 per cent across different categories of employees - is significant as it is expected to be the model for other PSUs.

In a charter submitted to the management, the committee has asked for a 140 per cent increase from Rs 2,130 to Rs 5,125 in the basic salary of the lowest cadre and 135 per cent from Rs 4,050 to Rs 9,090 in the highest cadre.

Sources said this is the first charter submitted to any PSU after the wage revision fell due on January 1 this year. The wage revision exercise takes place every four years. The demands seem to be motivated by the fifth pay panel recommendations.

The charter has been drafted keeping in mind Bhels balance sheet and the rights of workers. However, with the government deciding to offer more than the recommendations of the pay commission to Central employees, there is a feeling that our demand may be on the lower side, R A Mital, HMS secretary, said.

The committee has also demanded a 250 per cent increase in the rate of annual increments.

The committee has sought HRA at rate varying between 15 and 35 per cent for employees living in various cities. It also wants a continuance of the slab system for determining DA with cent per cent neutralisation It has calculated the minimum basic salary at the rate of Rs 3 per point on the CPI which stood at 1708 on January 1, the date for implementing the new wage structure.