Draft report on implementation of Labour Codes moots higher minimum wages, wider eligibility for bonus

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan receives a draft report on the implementation of the Labour Codes from Minister for Labour Bindhu Krishna on Wednesday.

Higher minimum wages and wider eligibility for bonus and other benefits are some of the recommendations in a draft report on implementation of the four Labour Codes in the State.

The draft report was submitted by Minister for Labour Bindhu Krishna to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday.

The report proposes more elbow room for the State government in matters such as lockouts and lay-offs.

Keralam is yet to frame rules for the four Labour Codes that were notified by the Union government in November last year

A meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on October 22 had decided to form a committee that included trade union representatives for submitting practical recommendations on framing State rules for the Labour Codes. The committee, with the Labour Commissioner as convener and Law additional secretary, seven trade union representatives, and Labour department officials as members, held discussions and enquiries over 10 days before submitting its report to the Labour Minister.

The report proposes amendments to laws and recommendations to ensure workers’ welfare, job security, wages, and benefits.

It recommends expanding a worker’s family unit from the current three members to five by including parents with the aim of amending guidelines for deciding minimum wages. When the minimum wages are calculated, the amendment will result in workers getting more wages.

It recommends a provision for free medical check-ups for workers engaging in hazardous and dangerous occupations.

Strict safety guidelines will be included in conditions that permit women workers to work at night. Provisions that ensure women’s security will be included in the State rules too.

The report recommends bringing more workers within the purview of benefits, including bonus.

Apprehensions in Keralam regarding the Labour Codes and the recommendations made by trade unions were examined by the committee.

Ms. Krishnasaid the rights and interests of workers will be protected during implementation of the Labour Codes.

A government-appointed expert committee, chaired by former Supreme Court judge V. Gopal Gowda, had also submitted its recommendations on legislative amendments in a report submitted in January this year.

The four Labour Codes – Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Code on Social Security and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code – replaced 29 laws.