8th Pay Commission: The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers (CCGEW), representing central government staff and pensioners, has warned the Cabinet Secretary that it may go on a one-day nationwide strike on February 12, 2026. The organisation stated that the protest will take place if the government does not address its concerns regarding the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) and other employee-related issues.
What Are the Key 8th Pay Commission Demands?
CCGEW has urged the government to revise the Terms of Reference of the 8th CPC. The organisation wants suggestions from both CCGEW and the National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) to be incorporated into the commission’s work on salary and pension revision.
Some of the key demands include:
-
Merger of 50% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with basic pay and pension
-
20% interim relief on pay and pension from January 1, 2026
Pension Reforms Demand
CCGEW has strongly opposed the current pension frameworks and wants the government to:
-
Scrap the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
-
Restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all central government employees
The confederation also emphasized that pensioners should not face discrimination based on retirement date or past pay commission recommendations.
-
Release of three frozen instalments (18 months) of DA/DR that were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic
-
Restoration of the commuted portion of pension after 11 years, instead of the current 15 years
Interim Financial Relief Demand
One of the major demands of CCGEW is 20% interim relief for both employees and pensioners. The confederation has requested that this relief be effective from January 1, 2026, and continue until the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations are implemented.
The 8th Pay Commission was set up in November 2025 and has been given 18 months to submit its report to the government.
Employment and Staffing Reform Demands
CCGEW has highlighted job security and staffing concerns in government departments. The organisation has asked the government to:
-
Remove the 5% limit on compassionate appointments and provide jobs to all eligible dependents of deceased employees
-
Fill all vacant posts in government departments
-
Stop outsourcing and corporatisation in government services
Other staffing demands include
-
Regularisation of casual, contingent, and contractual workers
-
Regular status for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS)
-
Equal treatment for employees of autonomous bodies, similar to central government staff
What Are the Broader Worker-Focused Demands?
Beyond pay and pensions, CCGEW has raised several labour-related demands:
-
Cancel the four labour codes
-
Stop all forms of casual employment, including outsourcing
-
Ensure equal pay for equal work for contract employees
-
Provide a minimum pension of ₹9,000 per month for all workers
-
Offer social security benefits to unorganised and agricultural workers
-
Remove ceilings on bonus and provident fund eligibility and increase gratuity amounts
-
Recognise the right to work as a fundamental right
-
Create more jobs and fill all sanctioned government posts
The confederation also requested ESI coverage for all unorganised workers funded through the Welfare Fund. Workers registered on the e-Shram portal should receive health schemes, maternity benefits, life insurance, and disability coverage.
Who Will Participate in the Strike and Why?
In an official letter, CCGEW Secretary General SB Yadav confirmed that employees from all organisations affiliated with the confederation will join the strike. He explained that the protest is based on a detailed list of demands primarily linked to the 8th Pay Commission and employee welfare.
Speaking to ET Wealth Online, Yadav said the organisation is firm in its decision. According to him, several demands related to the 8th Pay Commission must be included in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the commission.
What Could Happen If the Government Ignores These Demands?
CCGEW has made it clear that the February 12 strike will go ahead unless its demands particularly those related to the 8th Pay Commission are addressed. The planned protest reflects growing pressure from central government employees and pensioners for financial security, pension reforms, and better working conditions.
