Thiruvananthapuram: A draft report on the implementation of labour codes recommended revising the criteria for fixing minimum wages and extending bonus-related benefits to more workers and ensuring greater safety for women during night shifts. Labour minister Bindu Krishna submitted the report, prepared after discussions and reviews with trade union representatives and other stakeholders for 10 days, to chief minister V D Satheesan.The proposed changes include expanding the family unit used to calculate minimum wages from three members to five by including parents. This could result in higher minimum wages for workers, said Krishna in a statement. It recommended free medical check-ups for employees engaged in hazardous work processes as part of steps to strengthen workplace health protection. It proposed safety standards for women working night shifts and suggested that state rules include steps necessary to ensure their safety.The report sought to address the state’s concerns regarding labour codes and the issues raised by worker organisations. The amendments proposed at the state level were reviewed by the Justice Gopal Gowda Committee, which submitted recommendations on the legal changes required.A special committee prepared the recommendations after a meeting chaired by the CM on Oct 22. The meeting decided to constitute a panel, including trade union representatives, to offer practical suggestions for framing state rules linked to labour codes. The committee also suggested amendments that would enable the state govt to play a stronger role in matters, including lockouts and layoffs.
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