Union minister for labour and employment Oscar Fernandes wants labour laws to be made relief-oriented and worker-friendly and that the interest of the unorganised sector should be safeguarded at all cost as 94 per cent of the total workforce is employed by it.

Inaugurating the all India conference of the chief labour commissioners and the regional labour commissioners in New Delhi today, Fernandes said that the labour commissioners should undertake special crash programmes to ensure the payment of minimum wages to bring tangible relief to workers.

He also announced that the centre would issue a notification for minimum wages for people employed sweepers, cleaners and watchmen and guards shortly.

Fernandes said that ensuring a high degree of compliance of labour standards could not be ensured by launching prosecution only. Efforts should be made to get the irregularities rectified by educating and persuading the employers.

He advised the officers not to restrict themselves to their conventional and traditional roles but also play a pro-active role as facilitators, advisors and guides to employers, unions and workers so that there is a willing and voluntary compliance with the provisions of labour laws by the employers and at the same time the workers are made aware of their duties and responsibilities.

The minister said that in the present scenario of globalisation no economy can function in isolation. A number of changes are taking place which are affecting industries and workers alike. This, in fact, is the crucial phase of re-adjustment where our energy, resources and tact will be tested to the maximum.

Hence there is need to adapt the changes accordingly and make the labour administration more effective.

Appreciating efforts in achieving settlement in some of the recent industrial disputes, Fernandes said that settlement in Neyveli Lignite Corporation which ensured a significant pay hike for over 13,000 contract labour and other benefits, should be taken as a model.