AITUC Pushes for Sweeping Reforms in 8th Pay Commission Submission
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) has formally submitted a comprehensive set of demands to the 8th Pay Commission, calling for significant changes in salaries, pensions, and service conditions for central government employees. According to a report by ET, the trade union's proposals aim to address long-standing grievances and improve the financial security of workers.
Key Demands for Salary and Pension Revisions
In response to an 18-question questionnaire from the 8th Pay Commission, AITUC has advocated for a fitment factor of at least 3.0. This multiplier is crucial for revising the salaries of employees and pensioners, potentially leading to substantial pay hikes. Additionally, the union has proposed increasing the minimum annual increment to 6%, up from the 3% rate under the previous 7th Pay Commission.
Restoration of Old Pension Scheme and Other Benefits
A major highlight of the submission is the demand to scrap the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in favor of restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). AITUC argues that pension is a deferred wage and a fundamental right, recommending a 5% increase in pension every five years as suggested by a parliamentary committee. The union also seeks to reduce the pension commutation period from 15 years to about 11-12 years for faster restoration of full pension benefits.
Promotion and Family Unit Reforms
To combat career stagnation, AITUC has demanded at least five promotions during a 30-year service period, criticizing the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme as inadequate. The union also proposes expanding salary calculations to include five family units—adding parents to the current three-unit model of husband, wife, and two children—which could significantly boost basic pay.
Enhanced Leave and Compensation Measures
AITUC has called for improved employee benefits, including increasing the maximum leave encashment at retirement from 300 days to 450 days. The union advocates for cashless medical treatment, menstrual leave, extended paternity leave, and higher hardship allowances. For high-risk services in sectors like Railways, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and defence civilian services, AITUC proposes elevated accident compensation levels:
- Rs 2 crore for death
- Rs 1.5 crore for major accidents
- Rs 10–25 lakh for minor accidents
Opposition to Contractual Hiring and Agniveer Scheme
The union strongly opposes contractual employment, outsourcing, and lateral entry in government services, urging the filling of approximately 15 lakh vacant central government posts through regular recruitment. AITUC also criticizes the Agniveer scheme, advocating for permanent recruitment in the armed forces with attractive pay, clear career progression, and benefits like housing and allowances for those already recruited under the scheme.
Other Critical Demands
AITUC has raised concerns about the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (AICPI-IW), used for calculating dearness allowance (DA), demanding a revision of the index basket in consultation with trade unions. Additionally, the union seeks changes to the productivity-linked bonus (PLB), currently capped at Rs 7,000 for 30 days, arguing it is inadequate given the minimum basic pay of Rs 18,000 in the central government.
These demands reflect AITUC's broader push for equitable treatment and improved working conditions for central government employees, setting the stage for potential reforms in the upcoming pay commission recommendations.
