A delegation of leaders of
the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor
Sangh (BMS) met Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Tuesday and demanded that the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) be convened at the earliest. The BMS leadership also urged the Union Government to increase the ceiling limits of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). They sought a substantial increase in the minimum PF pension from 1,000 an enhancement of bonus calculation limits, and an increase in gratuity entitlement from 15 days to 30 days. The leaders also demanded a hike in the honorarium and incentives for all scheme workers.
BMS general secertary Ravindra Himte said in a statement after the meeting that Mr. Mandaviya had promised to llok into the issues raised, particulary the demands related to increaseing the ceiling limits of ESI and EPF and the minimum pension. The BMS had earlier threatened agitation to press these demands. The meeting was apparently converned in the contect of the pending demands, and the BMS had postponed protests following the implementation of the Labour Codes.
Trade Unions’ Strike
Other central tdrade unions, meanwhile, heave announced a general strike on February12, raising similar issues.
The BMS statement said its leaders highlighted the plight of various categories of contract workers across the private, public and government sectors. It also requested the Minister to establish welfare Boards for all categories of drivers in the private transport service sector. “The Minister patiently heard all the issues, discussed the implications of teh demands, and promised the delgation that the Centre would consider these issues seriously and take positive steps at teh esrlier possible date.”
Page Source : Newspaper The Hindu
