Big news is emerging for central government employees and pensioners as discussions around the 8th Pay Commission gain momentum. This time, employee unions are raising stronger demands than ever before.
Growing dissatisfaction is visible due to high inflation, rising household expenses, and delays in salary revision.
Employee organizations believe that a small hike is no longer enough and are demanding the largest salary and pension increase in history to protect real income.
Key Demand: Increase in Fitment Factor
The biggest demand from employee unions is to raise the fitment factor from 3.0 to 3.25. This proposal has been put forward by the Federation of National Postal Organizations (FNPO).
If the government approves a 3.25 fitment factor, the current minimum basic salary of ₹18,000 could increase to around ₹58,500.
Apart from this, employees are also demanding a 5% annual increment, stating that the current increment rate is too low. According to unions, the existing pay structure has failed to keep pace with inflation.
Demand for Level-Wise Fitment Structure
This time, employee organizations are asking for a graded, level-wise fitment factor instead of a single uniform rate. As per their proposal:
Levels 1 to 5: Fitment factor of 3.0
Levels 6 to 12: Fitment factor between 3.05 and 3.10
Levels 14 to 15: Fitment factor of 3.15
Levels 17 to 18: Fitment factor of 3.25
Employees say this system will create better balance between junior and senior staff salaries and remove long-standing pay gaps.
Comparison with the 7th Pay Commission
During the 7th Pay Commission, a fitment factor of 2.57 was implemented, which fixed the minimum wage at ₹18,000.
While this was considered reasonable at the time, employee unions argue that inflation has completely eroded those benefits.
Therefore, they insist that the 8th Pay Commission must consider current economic conditions and future needs while deciding pay revisions.
Nationwide Strike Announced
To increase pressure on the government, employee unions have announced a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, 2026.
The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has already submitted a formal strike notice to the Cabinet Secretary.
Unions have warned that protests will intensify if their demands are ignored. The strike will focus on wages, pensions, service conditions, and labor reforms.
Other Major Demands of Employees
The list of demands is long and includes:
Merger of 50% Dearness Allowance (DA) into basic pay
20% interim relief from January 1, 2026
Abolition of NPS/UPS and restoration of OPS
Payment of 18 months’ DA frozen during the COVID period
Early restoration of commuted pension
Recruitment for vacant government posts
End to the contract system
Increase in minimum pension to ₹9,000
Removal of GST on essential goods
Opposition to privatization
Now, all eyes are on the government to see whether these demands are taken seriously or remain stuck in prolonged negotiations.
