8th Pay Commission row may trigger All-India Employees’ strike
CCGEW warns of a nationwide strike on Feb 12, 2026 over 8th Pay Commission, DA merger, pension reforms, OPS restoration, and job security demands.
8th Pay Commission may trigger nationwide strike
A major organization of central government employees and pensioners, the Central Government Employees and Workers Confederation (CCGEW), has warned the government of a nationwide one-day strike on February 12, 2026. The move comes after the group raised strong demands related to the 8th Pay Commission, pensions, Dearness Allowance (DA), and job security.
The Central Government Employees and Workers Confederation (CCGEW), a major organization of central government employees and pensioners, has given a clear warning to the government.
The organization has written a letter to the Cabinet Secretary stating that if their demands regarding the Pay Commission and other employee-related issues are not met, a one-day nationwide strike will be held on February 12, 2026. CCGEW General Secretary S.B. Padav said that all employee organizations affiliated with the organization will participate in this strike and this decision is completely serious.
Demands in the 8th Pay Commission
CCGEW's biggest demand is related to the Pay Commission. The organization wants the government to include the suggestions of employees and the Staff Side (NC-JCM) in the Terms of Reference (1) of the 8th Pay Commission.
Along with this, a demand has been made to provide 20% interim relief to employees and pensioners from January 2026, so that they can get relief until the recommendations of the Pay Commission are implemented. The organization has also demanded that 50% Dearness Allowance (DA/DR) be merged with the basic pay and pension. It is noteworthy that the Seventh Pay Commission was constituted in November 2025 and was given 18 months to submit its report.
Government criticized on pension issues
CCGEW has also criticized the government on pension-related issues. The organization has demanded the complete abolition of NPS and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all central government employees.
It has also called for an end to any kind of discrimination among pensioners based on the date of retirement or the Pay Commission. The demands also include the release of the 18 months of DA/DR arrears withheld during the Covid period and the restoration of the commuted amount of pension in 11 years instead of 15 years.
In addition, CCGEW has raised several important issues related to employment and labor. The organization has demanded the repeal of all four labor codes, a halt to outsourcing and corporatization in government departments, filling all vacant positions, and regularizing contract, casual, and GDS employees.
Other demands include a minimum pension of Rs. 9,000 per month, 'equal pay for equal work', removal of limits on bonus and gratuity, and providing ESI and social security to unorganized workers. The CCGEW says that if the government still does not listen to the employees, the movement will be intensified.
