'Bring all workers under minimum wages board'

Members of Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) staged a protest demanding fulfilment of various demands, in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in the city on Friday.

The agitators demanded the authorities concerned to absorb contract employees. They alleged that even though the Payment of Bonus Act was amended, no factory owner was ready to give bonus as per the bill. According to the Act, the wage ceiling for calculating bonus has been enhanced to Rs 7,000 per month and the eligibility limit is Rs 21,000.

Minimum Wage Advisory Committee has recommended an increase in minimum wage of factory workers to Rs 10,050. But, questioning the recommendation, many factories have moved court. The State government is not showing interest to implement minimum wage for workers, the agitators alleged. All the workers should be brought under minimum wages board, they demanded.