Government, trade unions differ on contract labour, minimum wages

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the tough monsoon session of Parliament, the BJP-led NDA government has indicated that it is on board with some of the key demands of trade unions including that of social security for all and recognition of trade unions. However, difference still persists between the government and central trade unions on key issues of contract labour and minimum wages.

"It was a positive discussion and on behalf of the government finance minister has taken cognizance of all the issues raised by them" petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan said after the meeting.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley-led inter ministerial group, comprising of labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya, petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan, power minister Piyush Goyal and minister of finance Jayant Sinha, met a dozen central trade unions on Sunday.

"There are huge gaps on the issues of contract labour and minimum wages," labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya added.

According to Pradhan, the government has agreed on some issues of the unions including expanding to scope of social security for all in the country. "The insurance scheme and the Atal Pension Scheme launched are under this direction. Besides, we agree that all provisions under statutory laws should be strictly adhered to," he said.

The high-level meeting with trade unions, which comes just a day ahead of the 46th Indian Labour Conference, is critical as the government gears up to present at least four crucial legislations regarding reforms in labour laws in the upcoming monsoon session from Parliament.

The government fears that a stiff opposition of trade unions to these amendments could again block the passing of these legislation, which are critical in the success of government's Make in India campaign.