Exports down due to war, industries seek review of 35% wage hike

Gurgaon: Industrialists from across the state urged the govt to review the recent 35% increase in minimum wages, calling it impractical amid current economic pressures.At a meeting in Udyog Vihar, participants said industries, especially MSMEs, were already under strain due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has hurt exports. They resolved to submit memorandums to the chief minister next week, seeking a phased implementation of the hike instead of a one-time increase of 35%.A parallel meeting organised by Confederation of Haryana Industries Association (CHIA) echoed similar concerns, with leaders calling for a balanced approach.“The govt’s objective of safeguarding workers’ interests is commendable. However, the current condition of industries cannot be overlooked. A sudden hike will severely impact the MSME sector in particular. If the govt implements the wage increase in a phased manner, it will help maintain a balance between the interests of workers and industries,” said Progressive Federation of Trade and Industry (PFTI) chairman Deepak Maini.The industry body demanded reconsideration of the recent lump-sum increase of Rs 4,000 in minimum wages, with participants unanimously stating that such a sudden hike is impractical and could have serious repercussions on the industrial sector under the current economic conditions.They highlighted that exporters, already under pressure, expect support from the govt rather than the imposition of additional financial burdens.RL Sharma, director general of PFTI and a senior advocate, reiterated that industrialists do not oppose an increase in minimum wages. “But implementation should be carried out in a phased manner to avoid sudden financial strain on industries,” he said.The CHIA meeting in Udyog Vihar was attended by around two dozen industrial associations from NCR. The meeting was chaired by Chamber of Industries president Ashok Kohli.The wage debate comes against a backdrop of simmering worker unrest in Haryana and elsewhere. Manesar and Noida have witnessed repeated flashpoints between labour and management, with workers protesting stalled wage negotiations, contract work conditions and delayed disbursements.