No consensus on Disinvestment Policy, Labour Panel report

NEW DELHI: The Indian Labour Conference on Sunday failed to evolve a consensus on the controversial Disinvestment Policy and the recommendations of the second National Labour Commission with a number of trade unions strongly opposing them.
The discussions on the Disinvestment Policy saw divergent views among social partners with the Workers'' Group demanding an overall review of the policy saying it did not serve national interest.
The Employers'' Group, however, supported the disinvestment policy observing that it has enhanced efficiency and competitiveness among enterprises.
The Workers'' Group also wanted the Government not to disinvest in profit making PSUs.
On the report of the Second Labour Commission, divergent views were expressed on various recommendations with many trade unions opposing them and the employers broadly supporting them.
Briefing reporters at the end of the two-day conference, Labour Minister Sahib Singh Verma said parleys would be held with representatives of employers, employees, MPs and other sections for evolving a consensus on the report, which he said was likely to be implemented before the Budget Session of Parliament next year.
He said a two-day national seminar on unorganised sector would be held from October 31 so that an umbrella legislation for workers in that sector could be formulated as suggested by the Commission.