The Tamil Nadu government on Monday withdrew the Factories (Amendment) Act 2023, which extended the working hours to 12 per day. Chief Minister M K Stalin said that the decision was taken in the interest of workers. The government decision came on May 1, a day observed as May Day to commemorate the contributions of workers and the labour movement.
A week ago, the government had "put on hold" the bill that would allow a 12-hour workday in factories on hold, following protests from labour unions opposing the plan. The Tamil Nadu government passed the bill earlier in April, but it had not been imposed as a law. The All India Trade Union Congress and Centre of Indian Trade Unions, among other labour unions, opposed the bill. Opposition parties and even DMK allies, such as Congress, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Indian Union Muslim League, and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were against the move. Even the DMK's trade union opposed the move.
ALSO READ | Tamil Nadu Puts On Hold Bill Extending Factory Workers' Shifts To 12 Hours: Report
The CM, while addressing a May Day event in Chennai, said that the government's intention was only to create more employment and protect the workers' welfare. According to Deccan Herald, CM Stalin said that he appreciated the stand taken by his party, the DMK, and its allies. "After consulting with them, the government has decided to withdraw the amendments to the Factories Act. This shows how vibrant democracy is within this party," he said. He further said that the roll-back of the government's action is "not an insult". "If introducing a legislation is a bold move, withdrawing it is also the same," Stalin added.
The government's decision on May 1 assumes significance, as the resolution to adopt an eight-hour working day was adopted on this day in 1989 by socialist and labour parties in Europe.