AITUC Passes Resolution Against “Anti-Employee” Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission
AITUC concluded that the Pay Commission should function in a judicial and impartial manner, considering the genuine demands of central government employees and pensioners
The National Working Committee meeting of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) is being held in Bhubaneswar on March 14–15, 2026. The meeting was presided over by AITUC President Ramendra Kumar, while the report of activities was presented by General Secretary Amarjeet Kaur.
During the deliberations, AITUC National Secretary C. Srikumar, on behalf of the Resolution Committee, presented 18 resolutions, which were adopted by the National Working Committee.
The resolutions addressed a range of issues affecting workers and employees across the country. Among the key concerns raised were opposition to the four Labour Codes, rising unemployment, price rise, the exclusion of sectors such as DRDO, Atomic Energy and Space from the scope of industry, and the ongoing privatization of government departments and Public Sector Undertakings. The meeting also passed a resolution demanding menstruation leave for women employees, enhancement of EPF Pension and universal pension for all.
Resolution on 8th Central Pay Commission
One of the major resolutions adopted by the committee strongly criticized the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission, describing them as “anti-employee and anti-pensioner.”
According to the resolution, the government initially declined to constitute the commission but later announced the formation of the 8th CPC on January 16, 2025, in the backdrop of the Delhi Assembly elections. The resolution alleges that the process remained inactive after the elections and that the commission was formally constituted again on November 3, 2025, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.
AITUC stated that the Terms of Reference appear to prioritize fiscal deficit considerations, which, according to the organization, may limit the commission’s ability to recommend measures favorable to government employees.
The trade union also expressed concern that, unlike previous pay commissions, the phrase “stakeholders’ expectations” has reportedly not been included in the current Terms of Reference.
Concerns Over Pensioners
The resolution highlighted that nearly 6.9 million pensioners, including those from the Armed Forces and family pensioners, should be considered stakeholders in the deliberations of the commission.
AITUC reiterated its demand that the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) be withdrawn and that the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) be restored for government employees.
The organization also urged the commission to consider several measures in favor of pensioners, including:
- Revision of pension amounts
- Reduction of pension commutation restoration period from 15 years to 11–12 years
- Periodic enhancement of pensions every five years
Demand for Higher Minimum Pay
AITUC suggested that the minimum pay should be determined keeping in view the financial needs of a family unit of five members rather than the current three units. The union also argued that modern living costs now include technological necessities such as internet connectivity, which should be factored into wage calculations.
The organization further demanded that any revision of pay scales, allowances, pension and related benefits should be implemented with effect from January 1, 2026, as the pay revision is already due.
AITUC concluded that the Pay Commission should function in a judicial and impartial manner, considering the genuine demands of central government employees and pensioners, noting that pay and pension revisions take place only once in ten years.
