Hindustan Times Ltd. v Their Workmen

• Workers demanded wage revision based on wages paid in comparable newspaper establishments
• Hindustan Times argued its financial capacity did not permit the demanded wages
• Industrial Tribunal applied the industry-cum-region formula to fix wages
• Employer appealed

1. What is the correct method for determining fair wages? Industry comparison, regional comparison, or both?

• Fair wage is determined by the industry-cum-region formula
• Primary comparison: what do comparable establishments in the same industry pay?
• Secondary comparison: what is the wage level in the same region for comparable work?
• Industry is the dominant factor; region is secondary
• Employer's capacity to pay is relevant but not determinative at the fair wage level

Fair wage is fixed by the industry-cum-region formula: comparing wages in similar industries in the same region. Industry is the primary comparator, region the secondary. Capacity to pay is a relevant but not overriding factor.