STRIKE 2

Besides increasing the minimum wage, government has Besides increasing the minimum wage, government hasdecided to pay bonus for 2014-15 and 2015-16 to centralgovernment employees based on revised norms. This will haveannual financial implication of Rs 1,920 crore. It has also assured that the amendment in the payment ofBonus Act will be implemented strictly and it will support thecause of unions in high courts and the Supreme Court. Dattatreya said that 97 cases regarding implementationof amendments in Payment of Bonus Act are pending in 14 HighCourts and the Supreme Court. The government is trying to get stay orders vacated forimplementation of the changes in Payment of Bonus Act, hesaid. Of the 12 demands put forth by the trade unions, only 8are related to labour issues and the government is working onseven of them, he added. The government also said that it will issue advisories tostates for ensuring completion of trade union registrationwithin 45 days. Jaitley said registration of contract workers and theirstaffing agencies is mandatory and states will be advised tostrictly implement them. Errant contractors will face appropriate action forviolation of law, he warned. The issue of giving social security benefit to theunorganised sector (like Anganwadi, mid-day meal, Ashavolunteers) will be examined by a committee which will submitits report at the "earliest". Asked about the strike call, Jaitley said: "I think wehave responsible trade unions." PTI RNK DP NKD KKS CS JMSA