Providing some relief to the traditional industrial sector, a 20% increase in basic salary has been approved for employees in both public and private cashew factories across Kerala.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting of the Industrial Relations Committee (IRC), successfully resolving long-standing demands of the workforce. The meeting was conducted in the presence of Industries Minister P. Rajeeve and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty.
A key highlight of the decision is the retrospective implementation of the hike for public sector employees. In factories run by the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) and CAPEX, the new salary revision will be effective from the date the previously sanctioned interim relief began.
Commenting on the development, S. Jayamohan, KSCDC chairperson, said that the government remains committed to protecting workers’ interests despite the various crises plaguing the industry. “The government is prioritising the timely implementation of wage revisions and the overall welfare of those dependent on this sector,” he said.
The decision involved extensive negotiations among various stakeholders. The IRC meeting was attended by KSCDC chairperson S. Jayamohan, M.D. Sunil John K., CAPEX chairperson M. Sivasankara Pillai, and processors Abdul Salam, Rajesh K., Babu Oommen, and Jaison Oommen representing the employers. Leaders from Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), and Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) represented the trade unions. Representing the government, Cashew Special Officer Ramesh Chandran R., Director of Factories and Boilers P. Pramod, and Regional Joint Labour Commissioner Suresh M.A. were also present.
Published – February 03, 2026 08:22 pm IST
