TN Assembly Passes Factories Bill To Allow 12-Hour Shift For Factory Workers Amidst Protest

The parties mainly opposed the Act since it would stretch the mandatory working hours of employees from 8 hours to 12 hours. 

Minister Thangam Thennarasu said the Act would immensely benefit women workers. (File Photo)

Tamil Nadu Assembly passed Factories (Amendment) Act 2023 that provides flexible work hours for employees in factories despite opposition from political parties including the allies of DMK. The parties mainly opposed the Act since it would stretch the mandatory working hours of employees from 8 hours to 12 hours. 

According to PTI, Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu said that the total working hours would remain changed. He also assured that the workers can now avail the option to work for four days a week and take three days' leave. 

"This would immensely benefit women workers," Thennarasu claimed.

Labour Welfare Minister C V Ganesan said, "The remaining three days would be paid leave and the existing rules on leaves, overtime, salaries, etc., would remain unchanged. Action would be taken against factories, which coerced their employees to work against their wishes."

While tabling the Bill, Ganesan also said, "Representations were received from many industries and industry associations by the State government to bring out working hour reforms by making statutory provision for flexible working hours, citing the number of benefits it could bring for workers, especially women employees, industry and the economy as a whole."

The Ministers gave the clarification after the allies of DMK including Congress, Left parties and VCK staged a workout from Assembly during the discussion of the Bill. 

The bill was however passed by voice vote as the ruling DMK enjoyed a majority in the House and also because other allies like the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) supported the government.

Meanwhile, Ganesan, accompanied by Thennarasu, later told reporters at the Secretariat, "As per the amendment, factories seeking exemption should obtain the employees' consent to extend the working hours and this should not affect the employees' wellbeing," 

(With PTI inputs)