Central Govt Employees Serve Strike Notice Demanding 8th Pay Commission Changes And DA Arrears

Central Govt Strike: The Confederation of Central Govt. Employees & Workers has initiated a significant move to press for their long-pending demands, announcing a nationwide one-day strike on February 12, 2026. In a formal notice dated January 23, 2026, addressed to the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of India, the organization has served a “Strike Notice,” outlining a comprehensive list of grievances and demands.

This industrial action stems from a charter of demands split into two parts, focusing heavily on financial restructuring, pension reforms, and administrative changes that affect lakhs of central government employees and pensioners.

Demands for 8th Pay Commission and Salary Structure

At the forefront of the agitation is the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The Confederation is demanding a modification in the ‘Terms of Reference’ of the 8th CPC to incorporate the suggestions and views presented by the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM).

Beyond the Pay Commission, the union has put forward immediate financial demands effective from January 1, 2026:

• Merger of DA/DR: A demand to merge 50% of the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with the Basic Pay and Pension.
• Interim Relief (IR): The grant of 20% of the current Pay/Pension as Interim Relief pending the final implementation of the new pay commission recommendations.

Firm Stance on Pension Schemes and Arrears

Pension-related issues form a critical part of the strike notice, reflecting the concerns of retired personnel and current employees alike.

• Scrapping NPS/UPS: The union has unequivocally demanded the scrapping of the National Pension System (NPS) and the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), calling for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all employees.
• 18-Month DA Arrears: The release of the three installments of DA/DR frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic (totaling 18 months) remains a primary demand.
• Commutation of Pension: The Confederation seeks a reduction in the restoration period of the commuted portion of the pension from the current 15 years to 11 years.

Vacancies and Administrative Reforms

The charter also highlights administrative issues plaguing government departments.

• Filling Vacancies: Immediate filling of all vacant posts across all cadres and departments.
• Stop Outsourcing: A halt to outsourcing practices and the corporatization of government departments.
• Compassionate Appointment: Removal of the 5% ceiling on compassionate appointments, ensuring that wards or dependents of all deceased employees are granted employment.

The notice, signed by Secretary General S.B. Yadav, indicates that unless the government addresses these concerns, the affiliated organizations will proceed with the strike action on February 12, 2026. This move signals a potential confrontation regarding the future structure of central government emoluments and social security.