Unions seek Rs 30,000 minimum wages & release of workers, plan protest at Gurgaon DC’s office

Gurgaon: Intensifying their demand for a further increase in minimum wages, labour unions on Wednesday said they would stage a demonstration at the deputy commissioner’s office on Thursday.Maintaining that the latest revision — 35% hike announced by Haryana govt — has fallen short of their expectations, the protesters have reiterated demand for a minimum monthly wage of Rs 30,000. Union leaders said that the planned march will continue until their demand for a substantial wage revision is met.Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) — which represents several unions — is also planning to observe Mazdoor Diwas in a big way on May 1. The trade unions held a meeting in Gurgaon on Wednesday to discuss the current situation of ongoing workers’ movements across various industrial areas.CITU state vice-president Satbir Singh said the workers would protest on April 16 and 22, and all the trade unions will collectively march to the DC office and submit a memorandum of demands.“The workers are fighting for their legitimate demands — permanent employment and labour rights, among other things — but the govt and administration have adopted a repressive approach,” Singh told TOI.The unions have sought immediate release of 55 workers — including 20 women — who were arrested after police lathi-charged labourers protesting for implementation of minimum wages in Manesar on April 10. They condemned the lathicharge, filing of cases and the arrests. They demanded an immediate end to “all repressive actions”.The demands of the union include revision of the recent minimum wage notification issued by Haryana govt, cancellation of FIR against the workers who participated in the protest in Manesar, an eight-hour work shift, double payment for overtime, a mandatory weekly off and better working conditions inside the factory. The unions have demanded an end to “harassment” of workers.The agitation, which began in Manesar, has now spread across several parts of the national capital region, with labour groups mobilising support in industrial hubs. Amid growing unrest, UP govt has also moved to increase minimum wages following violent protests by workers in parts of the state.Haryana govt on April 9 issued a notification to increase the minimum wages. The increased minimum wages are in effect from April 1. But this has failed to pacify the workers. UP govt also increased the minimum wages on April 14, and workers are demanding a similar increase in Rajasthan.