Wage hike for Kerala Motor Transport workers: Basic pay proposed to increase over ₹10,000

Kottayam: A report has been submitted to the government recommending a revision of fair wages for motor transport workers in Kerala. The report, prepared by a government-appointed committee, has been handed to Labour Minister V Sivankutty for consideration. The wages were last revised 10 years ago, and the report is expected to be accepted by the government.

Recommendations

• The current basic pay for drivers is ₹15,600. It is proposed to be increased to ₹27,100.
• Conductors currently receive a basic pay of ₹15,100 per month, which is proposed to rise to ₹26,600.
• Cleaners’ basic pay should be increased from ₹14,600 to ₹26,100.
• There should be a proportional DA increase every six months.
• The washing allowance should be hiked from ₹60 to ₹250 per month.
• House rent allowance should be increased from ₹150 to ₹750.
• The revised wages are proposed to take effect with retrospective effect from January 1, 2025.
• Annual increments should be ₹200 for drivers, ₹150 for conductors and ₹100 for cleaners.
• After five years, there should be a service-based weightage.
• Salaries for office staff should also be increased.

The committee was appointed by the government on October 9, 2024. The 15-member panel was chaired by Ernakulam Regional Joint Labour Commissioner D Sureshkumar. Union and employer representatives included Malayalappuzha Jyothiskumar, T K Rajan, M S Skaria, A C Krishnan, T C Vijayan, V A K Thangal, T Gopinathan, Lawrence Babu, K. Balachandran and K J Stalin.