Date:06/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/06/stories/2006010604421400.htm

National

EPF rate: unions to take up issue with Minister

Special Correspondent

Discussions held before meeting Finance Minister for pre-budget consultations

NEW DELHI: Representatives of major trade unions met here on Thursday to discuss the issues confronting the working people. They decided to take up the issue of the reduction of the interest rate of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) during the pre-budget consultations with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on January 12.

The meeting was the first in a series before the representatives meet Mr. Chidambaram and submit a memorandum on budget proposals. The second meeting is scheduled for January 9.

"The trade unions have decided to continue dialogue among themselves on the question of presenting a common memorandum and will explore the possibilities of having a common action programme to highlight the basic issues confronting the working people of the country," a statement issued by nine unions said.