India is hiking minimum wages marginally for workers employed in informal sectors including construction, mining, and agriculture, from October 1, a government statement said on Thursday as detailed in a report by Reuters. 

"This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living," the statement said, referring to the 2.40-point rise in the consumer price index, opens new tab (CPI) for industrial workers.

After the hike, the unskilled workers in the upper-most band can expect a daily minimum wage of 783 rupees ($9.36), semi-skilled workers a rate of 868 rupees, and highly skilled workers 1,035 rupees.

The wages are revised twice a year according to inflation, based on the six-month average rise in CPI for industrial workers. 

Earlier this week, thousands of workers held protests across the country, seeking an increase in wages and demanding the repeal of four labour codes which they say favour multinational corporations.

The Central Government revises the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) twice a year, effective from April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.

Detailed information regarding the minimum wage rates by sector, categories and area, is available on the website (clc.gov.in) of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India.

What is the relevance of Variable Dearness Allowance?<o:p></o:p>

Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) defines the new amount which is earned after the increase or decrease in the consumer price index (CPI). This is where the dearness allowance is calculated and updated for the workers.

What will be the impact of this move?<o:p></o:p>

Starting October 1, India will slightly raise minimum wages for informal sector workers, including those in construction, mining, and agriculture, to help them cope with the increasing cost of living. The new daily minimum wage will be set at 783 rupees for unskilled workers, 868 rupees for semi-skilled workers, and 1,035 rupees for highly skilled workers.

This adjustment reflects the government's commitment to improving the economic conditions of workers in these sectors, ensuring they receive fair compensation as living expenses continue to rise. This move hence is expected to provide some respite to workers from inflation and rejuvenate the economic demand cycle.

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

India is hiking minimum wages marginally for workers employed in informal sectors including construction, mining, and agriculture, from October 1, a government statement said on Thursday as detailed in a report by Reuters.

India is hiking minimum wages marginally for workers employed in informal sectors including construction, mining, and agriculture, from October 1, a government statement said on Thursday as detailed in a report by Reuters. "This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living," the statement said, referring to the 2.40-point rise in the consumer price index, opens new tab (CPI) for industrial workers. After the hike, the unskilled workers in the upper-most band can expect a daily minimum wage of 783 rupees ($9.36), semi-skilled workers a rate of 868 rupees, and highly skilled workers 1,035 rupees. The wages are revised twice a year according to inflation, based on the six-month average rise in CPI for industrial workers. Earlier this week, thousands of workers held protests across the country, seeking an increase in wages and demanding the repeal of four labour codes which they say favour multinational corporations. The Central Government revises the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) twice a year, effective from April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers. Detailed information regarding the minimum wage rates by sector, categories and area, is available on the website (clc.gov.in) of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India. What is the relevance of Variable Dearness Allowance? Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) defines the new amount which is earned after the increase or decrease in the consumer price index (CPI). This is where the dearness allowance is calculated and updated for the workers. What will be the impact of this move? Starting October 1, India will slightly raise minimum wages for informal sector workers, including those in construction, mining, and agriculture, to help them cope with the increasing cost of living. The new daily minimum wage will be set at 783 rupees for unskilled workers, 868 rupees for semi-skilled workers, and 1,035 rupees for highly skilled workers. This adjustment reflects the government's commitment to improving the economic conditions of workers in these sectors, ensuring they receive fair compensation as living expenses continue to rise. This move hence is expected to provide some respite to workers from inflation and rejuvenate the economic demand cycle.

India hikes minimum wages as living costs surge

In Hong Kong, the world's most expensive city, the government has recently announced an increase in the city's minimum wage, but it is so low that for those struggling to make ends meet, it'll hardly do anything.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the minimum wage in Hong Kong has been raised by 2.50 Hong Kong dollars or USD 32 cents. The hike has brought the city's minimum wage to 40 Hong Kong dollars (or $5.10) per hour.&nbsp;

The measly 6.25 per cent raise comes after a four-year freeze and it has left activists and community workers scathing.

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Wong Shek-hung, director of the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan programme at the charitable organisation Oxfam, has expressed concern.

"We think this is unacceptable," he said, adding "It cannot cover basic needs in Hong Kong."

According to CNN, the minimum wage in Hong Kong was frozen in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the city's economy. Authorities at the time argued that a wage increase would put additional pressure on enterprises and could lead to the loss of low-wage jobs.&nbsp;

However, Wong argues that this increase will make little difference for the low-paid workers in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The high cost of living in the city, particularly when it comes to housing, remains. He said that he believes that the increase is not sufficient to cover the basic needs of low-paid workers in the city.&nbsp;

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Oxfam has expressed concern that the recent increase in Hong Kong's minimum wage is still lower than what a family of two would receive through the city's social security programme.&nbsp;

It has called on the government to raise the minimum wage to at least HK$45.4 ($5.78) per hour. The organisation has described the recent increase in the minimum wage as "almost negligible" and has urged the government to take further action to address the challenges faced by low-paid workers in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Society of Community Organizations (SOCO) has also proposed a higher minimum wage of at least HK$53.4 ($6.8) per hour, which it believes would provide a more adequate standard of living for low-paid workers.

In January, Hong Kong's Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, rejected the argument that the minimum wage should be raised to the same level as social welfare payments. He argued that "many people...would rather work than receive social welfare because they think it has more value in their lives."

"After all, do people like to go to work or not? In fact, going to work is not just for earning money. It is important to one’s spirit and health," said Sun, as per Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK.&nbsp;

"So the two can’t be compared. One is welfare, the other is work."

According to Sun, going to work is not just about earning money, but also has a positive impact on one's spirit and health. He claimed that social welfare and work cannot be compared because they serve different purposes.

Sun's comments highlight the ongoing debate over the minimum wage and social welfare policies in Hong Kong. While some argue that the minimum wage should be raised to ensure that low-paid workers can earn a decent living, others believe that social welfare should provide a safety net for those who cannot earn enough through work.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Hong Kong, the world's most expensive city, the government has recently announced an increase in the city's minimum wage, but it is so low that for those struggling to make ends meet, it'll hardly do anything.

In Hong Kong, the world's most expensive city, the government has recently announced an increase in the city's minimum wage, but it is so low that for those struggling to make ends meet, it'll hardly do anything. According to an Al Jazeera report, the minimum wage in Hong Kong has been raised by 2.50 Hong Kong dollars or USD 32 cents. The hike has brought the city's minimum wage to 40 Hong Kong dollars (or $5.10) per hour. The measly 6.25 per cent raise comes after a four-year freeze and it has left activists and community workers scathing. Also read | 'Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation': US surgeon general points to the importance of social connection Wong Shek-hung, director of the Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan programme at the charitable organisation Oxfam, has expressed concern. "We think this is unacceptable," he said, adding "It cannot cover basic needs in Hong Kong." According to CNN, the minimum wage in Hong Kong was frozen in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the city's economy. Authorities at the time argued that a wage increase would put additional pressure on enterprises and could lead to the loss of low-wage jobs. However, Wong argues that this increase will make little difference for the low-paid workers in Hong Kong. The high cost of living in the city, particularly when it comes to housing, remains. He said that he believes that the increase is not sufficient to cover the basic needs of low-paid workers in the city. Also read | Tinder 'swipes left' on Russia, to 'dump' the warring nation by June 30 Oxfam has expressed concern that the recent increase in Hong Kong's minimum wage is still lower than what a family of two would receive through the city's social security programme. It has called on the government to raise the minimum wage to at least HK$45.4 ($5.78) per hour. The organisation has described the recent increase in the minimum wage as "almost negligible" and has urged the government to take further action to address the challenges faced by low-paid workers in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Society of Community Organizations (SOCO) has also proposed a higher minimum wage of at least HK$53.4 ($6.8) per hour, which it believes would provide a more adequate standard of living for low-paid workers. In January, Hong Kong's Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun, rejected the argument that the minimum wage should be raised to the same level as social welfare payments. He argued that "many people...would rather work than receive social welfare because they think it has more value in their lives." "After all, do people like to go to work or not? In fact, going to work is not just for earning money. It is important to one’s spirit and health," said Sun, as per Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK. "So the two can’t be compared. One is welfare, the other is work." According to Sun, going to work is not just about earning money, but also has a positive impact on one's spirit and health. He claimed that social welfare and work cannot be compared because they serve different purposes. Sun's comments highlight the ongoing debate over the minimum wage and social welfare policies in Hong Kong. While some argue that the minimum wage should be raised to ensure that low-paid workers can earn a decent living, others believe that social welfare should provide a safety net for those who cannot earn enough through work. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World's most expensive city increases minimum wage by measly 32 cents. Here's what happened next

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. 
 
This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary. 
 
This is well above the current highest minimum wage in the world, which is Australia’s $19.84 per hour. 
 
Switzerland as a whole has no minimum wage, and voters in 2014 turned down a chance to adopt one at a national level. Geneva voters themselves have twice previously rejected calls to introduce a minimum wage in the city. 
 
The result made Geneva the third of Switzerland's 26 cantons to set a minimum hourly earnings rate after Jura and Neuchatel. 
 
Nearly 58% of voters in the canton, or state, backed the measure designed to “combat poverty” and “respect human dignity,” according to data published on the government’s website.&nbsp; 
 
More than 300,000 people commute from France to work in the Switzerland each day, with the biggest contingent in the Lake Geneva region.&nbsp; 
 
The cost of living in Switzerland is high, and cross-border commuters sometimes get blamed for undercutting locals on wages.

(With inputs from agencies)

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary.

Geneva voted in favor of a minimum hourly wage of 23 francs ($25), once implemented this would be the world’s highest minimum wage. This is the latest effort in Switzerland to ensure people are able to live decently from their salary. This is well above the current highest minimum wage in the world, which is Australia’s $19.84 per hour. Switzerland as a whole has no minimum wage, and voters in 2014 turned down a chance to adopt one at a national level. Geneva voters themselves have twice previously rejected calls to introduce a minimum wage in the city. The result made Geneva the third of Switzerland's 26 cantons to set a minimum hourly earnings rate after Jura and Neuchatel. Nearly 58% of voters in the canton, or state, backed the measure designed to “combat poverty” and “respect human dignity,” according to data published on the government’s website. More than 300,000 people commute from France to work in the Switzerland each day, with the biggest contingent in the Lake Geneva region. The cost of living in Switzerland is high, and cross-border commuters sometimes get blamed for undercutting locals on wages. (With inputs from agencies)

Geneva voters say 'yes' to ‘world’s highest’ minimum wage as wealth gap widens

In an attempt to appease trade unions that have threatened to go on strike, Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley today announced a hike in minimum wages from the current $3.67 (246 INR) to $5.22 (350 INR)for unskilled workers per day. 
 
&quot;In the past one-and-a-half years, the inter-ministerial committee had a&nbsp;meeting with central trade unions. Trade unions placed various demands. Some were labour-related and some economic policy issues related. The government has taken some decisions with regard to those on the basis of their recommendations,&quot; added Jaitley. 
 
The decision was taken following a meeting under the chairmanship of the Indian labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya, also attended by power minister Piyush Goyal. The registration of the contract workers and their staffing agencies is mandatory and states will be advised to strictly implement the same, the finance minister said. Errant contractors will face appropriate action for any violation, he warned. 
 
Asked about the strike call, Jaitley said: &quot;I think we have responsible trade unions.&quot; 
 
Jaitley told the media that the two years worth of bonus will be paid to Indian central government employees based on revised norms. The Bonus Amendment Act will be implemented &quot;strictly&quot;. Workers employed by the state governments, however, are not covered under the Act. 
 
The likely financial implications of the bonus move translate into $286 million (Rs1,920 crore) per annum. 
 
As many as 10 central trade unions have given a call for a one-day nationwide strike on September 2, 2016, to protest against Prime Minister Modi&#39;s labour reforms. 
 
Tapan Sen, the&nbsp;general secretary of the Centre of Trade Unions, said earlier today the strike would go on despite Jaitley&#39;s promise that the government would release state employees&#39; bonuses for the last two years and increase minimum wages, Reuters reported. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley announced a hike from $3.67 to $5.22 per day for unskilled workers per day

In an attempt to appease trade unions that have threatened to go on strike, Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley today announced a hike in minimum wages from the current $3.67 (246 INR) to $5.22 (350 INR)for unskilled workers per day. "In the past one-and-a-half years, the inter-ministerial committee had a meeting with central trade unions. Trade unions placed various demands. Some were labour-related and some economic policy issues related. The government has taken some decisions with regard to those on the basis of their recommendations," added Jaitley. The decision was taken following a meeting under the chairmanship of the Indian labour minister Bandaru Dattatreya, also attended by power minister Piyush Goyal. The registration of the contract workers and their staffing agencies is mandatory and states will be advised to strictly implement the same, the finance minister said. Errant contractors will face appropriate action for any violation, he warned. Asked about the strike call, Jaitley said: "I think we have responsible trade unions." Jaitley told the media that the two years worth of bonus will be paid to Indian central government employees based on revised norms. The Bonus Amendment Act will be implemented "strictly". Workers employed by the state governments, however, are not covered under the Act. The likely financial implications of the bonus move translate into $286 million (Rs1,920 crore) per annum. As many as 10 central trade unions have given a call for a one-day nationwide strike on September 2, 2016, to protest against Prime Minister Modi's labour reforms. Tapan Sen, the general secretary of the Centre of Trade Unions, said earlier today the strike would go on despite Jaitley's promise that the government would release state employees' bonuses for the last two years and increase minimum wages, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India hikes minimum wages with strike threat looming large