KOCHI: Sharp differences of opinion have cropped up between various industry sections and the state government over the proposal to implement Rs 600/ day minimum wages for workers in Kerala, as recommended in the Draft Labour Policy.The industry associations representing sectors, including construction, real estate, private buses, bakers, hospitals and fruit stalls, at a meeting with Labour Minister T P Ramakrishnan here, said their cost of operations would spiral out of control if the Rs 600/day proposal is implemented. The Labour Minister stuck to his guns, saying the industry can easily bear the cost.
However, he added that more discussion on fixing the minimum wages was required before the draft policy reaches its implementation stage.The associations representing various employers suggested the government to reconsider fixing of Rs 600/day as minimum wages to employees under the Draft Labour Policy discussion in Kochi on Tuesday. The seminar on draft labour policy was organised by the Labour Department to gather opinion from various organisations representing employers in the state.
During the seminar, as many as 20 associations representing various industries and sectors gave their opinion. Majority of the organisations raised concerns about fixing Rs 600/day minimum wages. All the associations were of opinion that the draft labour policy has not mentioned anything about the welfare of the employers. Most of the employers recommended to the government that productivity-based wages should be fixed. As far as migrant workers are concerned , the majority of them are unskilled. Providing the same salary to unskilled workers and skilled labourers would be unfair.
On this, Ramakrishnan said, based on the discussions with trade unions, it was recommended that minimum wages should be fixed at Rs 600/day. “The government also has to consider the state of the employees. If Rs 600 is fixed as minimum wages, the employees will get Rs 18,000 per month if at all one finds work 30 days a month. Is it enough for meeting all the expenses? The opinion of various organisations would be considered before a final decision is taken in this regard,” he said.
Most of the associations also raised concerns about the increase in penalty amount imposed for violating labour laws. The penalty amount has been raised from Rs 500 to Rs 2 lakh-5 lakh. “If the companies are functioning in a proper manner, why should there be any concern about the penalty amount. The government will withdraw the entire penalty amount if all the employers guarantee that all labour laws will be adhered to,” he said.
He promised that no employer would be harassed by the Labour Department in the name of labour laws. “The Labour Department is not functioning to torture anyone. If an employer is tortured, then the intention of the officer would be different. The complaint against such officers can be submitted to the department and action would be taken,” he said.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and other organisations representing hospitals demanded the government to give special consideration to the hospital sector. “Unlike other industries, the hospitals employ skilled labourers. Similarly, 80 per cent of employees in hospitals are women. The sector requires special consideration from the government,” Dr Jayakrishnan AV of the IMA said.
Govt will put an end to Nokkukooli: Labour Min
Kochi: Labour Minister T P Ramakrishnan on Tuesday said the government will put an end to ‘Nokkukooli’ – the money demanded by trade unions for loading and unloading goods. “The government is against ‘Nokkukooli’. It never supported anyone demanding ‘Nokkukooli’. Wages are only for those who work. Public cooperation is needed to end the illegal trend which is akin to corruption.
And just like corruption ends only when people do not pay bribes, ‘Nokkukooli’ will end only if people resist it,” he said after attending a seminar organised by the Labour Department on the Draft Labour Policy here. He said the government wants to create an ideal situation for industries and workers. “The Draft Labour Policy is being introduced to ensure both employers and employees thrive in Kerala,” he said. Ramakrishnan said rumours being spread through social media, of migrant workers being tortured are politically motivated.
Secure database
G Tech, the organisation representing IT companies, demanded the government form a secure database containing information about IT employees. “We want the government to make the database foolproof,” a representative said.
‘Prevent strikes’
Another organisation representing hospitals demanded the government to bring in steps that would prevent strikes by the employees. Ramakrishnan said not all hospitals are functioning for welfare. He ensured some of the sectors require special consideration, and discussions will be held.