Haryana workers cite panel to demand Rs 23k, say new wages ‘too low’

Gurgaon: Unhappy with the wage revision — which they call far too low — the labour bodies are seeking a minimum wage of Rs 23,196, as recommended by a panel last year.Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), representing various labour unions, on Friday wrote to Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, urging him to implement the recommendation of State Minimum Wage Committee on Dec 29, 2025, besides immediate notification, instead of the newly announced Rs 15,200. Along with the wage, the labour bodies have also demanded cancellation of FIRs against the workers during the recent protests, compensation for injuries and supply of LPG at govt rate to all workers.Arguing that the last minimum wage revision took place in 2015, the wage should have been revised every five years, but the state delayed it by nearly six years, CITU said. CITU pointed out that based on the price index and cost-of-living calculations, it demanded Rs 30,000 as the minimum wage during committee meetings. However, after the committee’s ninth meeting in Panchkula approved over Rs 23,000 unanimously, “this amount should be notified and enforced,” the letter added.The unions said thousands of industrial and garment workers in Manesar and Gurgaon have been protesting for days over wage revision, but the administration has “responded with police action and imposed Section 163 and force was used against the protesting workers.” The letter termed the police crackdown “wrong and unjustified.”The key demands of the unions include: Notify and implement the minimum wage recommended by the state panel immediately; withdraw Section 163 imposed in Manesar and Gurgaon; stop police action and release detained workers immediately; provide medical care to injured workers; set up counters at govt rates to supply LPG gas cylinders to workers; ensure double wages for overtime work as per law; and withdraw all action taken against protesting workers.They have also sought ensuring ESI/EPF benefits for all. CITU general secretary Jay Bhagwan said the last minimum wage revision was implemented on Nov 1, 2015. “According to law, wages must be revised every five years, but the due revision in Oct 2020 was delayed by many years,” said Bhagwan.The letter also mentioned that despite peaceful mobilisations, police action — including lathi charge and detention of workers — was reported, leaving several workers injured. “We demand cancellation of FIRs against the workers,” said Satvir, a CITU office-bearer.The letter also mentioned that despite peaceful mobilisations, police action — including lathi charge and detention of workers — was reported, leaving several workers injured. “We demand cancellation of FIRs against the workers,” said Satvir, a CITU office-bearer.