Left Parties Demand Cancellation of Labour Codes and Establishment of ₹26,000 Minimum Monthly Wage at Srikakulam May Day Rally

P. Tejeswara Rao, the State Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has raised concerns regarding the stagnation of minimum wage standards, which have remained unchanged for the last 15 years. Rao highlighted that many workers in various sectors are compelled to work extended hours, often up to 12 hours a day, while receiving inadequate compensation for their labor.

Minimum wage legislation is designed to protect workers from exploitation and ensure they receive fair compensation for their work. The prolonged period without revision has raised alarms about rising living costs and inflation, which can erode the purchasing power of low-income workers. The CITU has called for a comprehensive review of wage policies to address these disparities and promote fair labor practices across the state.

In response to these issues, advocates have urged the government to conduct a thorough assessment of the current labor market and economic conditions to adjust minimum wages accordingly. This discussion comes amid ongoing debates about labor rights, economic inequality, and the need for sustainable employment practices in the region.