The unions of the central government employees have made very strong requests concerning the extent and framework of the 8th Pay Commission—Central Pay Commission, which, in official terms, is said to have started its work in 2025. The commission has the responsibility of salary revision, allowances, and pensions of more than 1 crore employees and pensioners, but the unions are asking more from commission with inclusion and justice, especially for the groups that are currently excluded.
Key Demands Raised by Employees’ Unions
Concerns regarding the Terms of Reference (ToR) released by the government have been expressed by several unions such as the All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) and postal workers’ associations. The unions’ primary demands consist of:
- Inclusion of Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS): The rural postal workers are presently not part of the CPC benefits. The unions have asked for the GDS to be regarded as the regular employees and included in the pay commission’s jurisdiction.
- Review of Pension Benefits: The unions have reported that nearly 69 lakh pensioners are not included in the ToR and are urging that the pension structures be changed along with the salaries.
- Transparent Fitment Factor: Employees demand a fitment factor of no less than 2.86, which can potentially increase the minimum basic wage from ₹18,000 to ₹51,480.
- Timely Implementation: The unions are asking that the new pay structure be in place as of January 1, 2026, with no delays in the rollout or payments relating to arrears.
Summary of Union Demands
| Demand | Description |
|---|---|
| Inclusion of GDS | Extend CPC benefits to Gramin Dak Sevaks |
| Pension Review | Revise pension for 69 lakh retirees |
| Higher Fitment Factor | Recommend multiplier of 2.86 for salary hike |
| Timely Implementation | Enforce new pay from Jan 1, 2026 |
| Wider Coverage | Include all categories of central employees |
Why These Demands Matter
- Equity: Guarantees fair treatment for all government workers including the rural and retired staff
- Financial Relief: Increased salaries and pensions are the means of fighting inflation
- Workforce Morale: Policies that are inclusive enhance employee satisfaction and retention
- Administrative Clarity: A clear ToR will eliminate the possibility of future disputes and delays
Final Thoughts
The 8th Pay Commission is a crucial moment for the Indian government to stop being backward in terms of compensation in the public sector. Employees’ unions are rightly asking for their demands to be met, and workers’ and retirees’ inclusive and fair treatment, pension reforms, and timely execution. These voices will, during the commission’s preparation of recommendations, be very instrumental in giving a fairer pay structure to millions.
