Demands from Central Trade Unions
Central trade unions have put forth several demands to the government to address issues related to employment, social security, and taxation.
Key Demands
- 8th Pay Commission: Immediate constitution to review and adjust salaries of central government employees.
- Job Creation: Fill existing vacancies in central government departments and PSUs to boost employment.
- MGNREGA Enhancement: Increase allocations for MGNREGA to ensure 200 days of work per family.
- Income Tax Rebate: Increase income tax exemption limit to Rs 10 lakh per annum.
- Social Security for Gig Workers: Introduction of a social security scheme.
- Old Pension Scheme: Restoration of the old pension scheme for government employees.
- EPFO Minimum Pension: Raise to Rs 5,000 per month.
Labour Codes
There is division among trade unions regarding the new labour codes:
- Support for Codes: Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), National Front of Indian Trade Unions (NFITU), and Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) support the Code on Wages and Code on Social Security.
- Opposition to Codes: Other central TUs demand scrapping all four labour codes, advocating the restoration of the repealed 29 labour statutes.
- Recommendations: Notify Code on Wages 2019 and Code on Social Security 2020, while removing anti-worker provisions in other codes.
Economic and Taxation Proposals
- Funding for Startups and Gig Economy: Increase budget allocation to support growth and skilling in these sectors.
- Corporate and Wealth Tax: Propose higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals, introduce inheritance tax, and reduce GST on essential goods.
- Privatisation: Demand to halt privatisation of PSUs.
Social Security and Worker Status
- Unorganised Workers: Establish a government-sponsored social security fund.
- Domestic Workers: Grant worker status and social security benefits, involving contributions from resident welfare associations.
Summary of Demands
- Boost rural job scheme to provide 200 workdays per family.
- Raise income tax exemption limit to Rs 10 lakh.
- Create a universal fund for unorganised workers.
- Increase EPFO minimum pension to Rs 5,000; set minimum wage at Rs 26,000.
- Remove GST on essential items like food and medicines.