The Labour Minister, Mr Joaquim Alemao on Thursday said that the minimum wages have been revised to Rs 150 from the earlier Rs 103.
Mr Alemao announced that the minimum wages to various skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers would be raised from Rs 103 per day to Rs 150 per day in 20 scheduled employment categories with effect from December 24, 2009.
However, the labour unions have expressed their displeasure over the hike and are demanding that the minimum wages should be Rs 275. The wages were last revised in 2007. The minimum wages have been hiked by almost 30 per cent and it will benefit around three lakh workforce from the organised and unorganised sectors.
Addressing a press conference after holding Goa Labour Welfare Board meeting, Mr Alemao, who is also the chairman of the Goa Labour Welfare Board, said that labour inspectors would be commissioned in every industry to ensure that the minimum wages commitment is honoured by the owners and warned of stern action against the employers defaulting on paying the minimum wages. He said that he had received several complaints in the past and that the government will act sternly and prosecute the defaulting employers besides recovering the arrears. The meeting was attended by various labour union leaders, labour department officers and representatives of industry. Speaking further, Mr Alemao said that the workers would be paid the arrears and added that the last revision had come on March 15, 2007, and since then the labour unions have been pressing for an increase through their various agitations. He said though the announcement was made a couple of years back, the government delayed the revision due to recession.
Reacting to the government’s hike in minimum wages, All India Trade Union Congress general secretary, Mr Christopher Fonseca said, “Minimum wages should be linked up to inflation. We had demanded much more but the state government did not listen to our demand.” He said that Goa Workers Convention, a body representing all the trade unions in the state, will continue its struggle for enhancement in the minimum wages. He also said that as per the rules it is mandatory to increase the minimum wages if there is an increase of 50 points on the index. During the last two years, he said, the index has gone up by 900 points making the minimum wages at Rs 275.
Mr Alemao cautioned hotels in the state against exploiting workers, especially the trainees and warned them of stern action. He said the hotels are paying its employees very less and condemning the act of exploitation he further said, “This cannot continue and the hotels will have to pay its employees at least the minimum wages.” He said that the labour department will keep a strict watch on all the hotels and will hold thorough checks from time to time. He also said that 10 per cent of the service charges should also be given to the employees which will go a long way in improving their standard of living. Mr Alemao also said that a survey is being carried out on the status of employment in the state, including how many non-Goans are currently employed.
Mr Christopher Fonseca hailed the government’s decision with regard to the hotels and termed it as one of the best decisions taken by the government in the welfare of hotel workers.
[Source]
