The increment will be effective from December 1 this year and will reflect in January.

Hussain said the increment will be effective until the government or the Minimum Wage Board announces a new minimum wage, adding that the previously set 5 per cent annual pay increment fixed by the Board will remain in place, according to domestic media reports.

Any worker who is scheduled to receive a yearly increment in December will enjoy the additional increase. Those not supposed to get an increment in December will still get a 4 per cent rise in their wages.

Labour union leaders said the 4-per cent additional increment is not enough keeping in view rising costs and inflation.

SBS Zipper News Desk (DS)