Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) today said that the minimum wages hike by state government are unscientific, unjustified and unfair.
“Minimum Wages notified by the State Government are unscientific, unjustified and unfair. The State Government has failed to take into consideration the unprecedented escalation in the prices of all essentials commodities of food, clothing and shelter,” said Christopher Fonseca
He further said that the prices of water and electricity tarrifs have also been increased by the State Government year after year. Similarly, the cost on education, medical, health-care, transport, LPG cylinders have also gone beyond the reach of the common and working people comprising of a family of himself, his wife and two children.
The Labour Department had finally increased the minimum wages for all schedules of employment in the State by Rs 100 even as trade unions have rejected the revision.
According to an official notification, the minimum wages after the revision for unskilled workers category is Rs 407 per day, semi-skilled workers Rs 468 per day, skilled workers Rs 523 per day and highly skilled/supervisory workers Rs 565 per day. The Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) has also been hiked by Rs 105.
The previous minimum wages for unskilled workers was Rs 307, semi-skilled Rs 368, skilled Rs 423, highly skilled/supervisory Rs 465 per day and clerical Rs 423 per day as on May 24. 2016 respectively.
Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) president Damodar Kochkar said, “’Earlier for unskilled workers the minimum wage was Rs 307 per day and now it stands increased at Rs 407 plus VDA which makes it to Rs 512 per day. Rs 307 was the minimum wage in 2016 then VDA was getting added every six months. The VDA addition is of Rs 105 so it becomes Rs 512. The main impact would be Rs 100 now.”
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