Kerala Government Proposes New Minimum Wages for Warehouse, Godown & Freight Station Workers

The Government of Kerala has issued a notification under Section 27 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Central Act 11 of 1948), declaring its intention to include employment in Warehouses, Godowns, and Container Freight Stations (CFS) under Part I of the Schedule to the Act.

This move enables the State to fix minimum wages for workers employed in these sectors for the first time.

⚖️ Key Notification Details

SubjectDetails
Statute InvokedSection 27, Minimum Wages Act, 1948
Sector Proposed for InclusionWarehouses, Godowns, and Container Freight Stations
PurposeTo fix minimum rates of wages for workers in these employments
Current StatusEmployment not yet included under Minimum Wages Act in Kerala
Proposed ActionAdd to Part I of the Schedule to the Act
Deadline for Objections/SuggestionsWithin 3 months from date of publication in Gazette
Address for SubmissionSpecial Secretary to Government, Labour & Skills (E) Dept.
Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram – 695001

✉️ Public Participation Invited

Stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, and affected individuals, may submit objections or suggestions regarding this inclusion. All inputs must be sent in writing to the Labour & Skills Department within three months of the official Gazette publication date.(September 3rd 2025)

📌 Implications for Employers and Workers

  • Once finalized, employers will be required by law to pay at least the minimum wage as notified for these job categories.
  • Warehousing and logistics employers should begin reviewing current pay structures and prepare for upcoming compliance obligations.
  • Workers in these sectors stand to gain wage protection under the Act for the first time.

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