Report of Mazdoor Ekta Committee (MEC) correspondent
Mazdoor Ekta Committee organized a meeting in South Delhi on 21 June 2026. A large number of women workers in the textile industry and domestic workers attended the meeting.
A young female member of Mazdoor Ekta Committee chaired the meeting and welcomed everyone. Another member made a presentation on living wage for a dignified life.
The presentation highlighted that the working class generates the nation’s wealth through their labour, yet they lack a dignified living wage. Workers are increasingly trapped in poverty and malnutrition.
They explained that the minimum wage for an unskilled worker in Delhi is ₹18,456. The Delhi government has not increased the DA (dearness allowance) for 2 years. If the government had increased the DA, unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers would have received wages ranging from ₹19,378 to ₹25,573.
Another reality regarding the legal minimum wage is that 90% of workers in Delhi are not receiving the minimum wage declared by the government. Consequently, workers are unable to eat nutritious food—milk, green vegetables, cheese, meat, fish, etc.—or feed their families. They also cannot afford to rent a decent house with all the basic amenities. Low wages reduce workers’ purchasing power, forcing them to cut back on their basic necessities.
A dignified living wage is our right, and our struggle for it is completely justified. The presentation concluded with a call to unite workers from different sectors and take this struggle forward.
Women workers present in the meeting shared their experiences. Female tailors explained that they are not paid the same wages as male workers. While women are paid a daily wage of ₹600 for 12 hours of work, male workers are paid ₹770 for 12 hours for the same work. This means that there is no equal pay for equal work. A woman working as a thread cutter in the textile industry said that her company makes her sign paperwork for a salary of ₹18,000, although she actually receives only ₹12,000.
A female domestic worker said that if we raise our voice for wages or rights, employers fire us or the police resort to repression. But unless we raise our voices, our rights will continue to be violated. Therefore, we must unite all workers in the industrial sector and fight for a dignified living wage.
The workers appreciated the presentation and said that it adds to their knowledge. The presentation is connected to the lives of all workers and clearly explains their living conditions. It should be shown in all other worker colonies as well.