With migrant workers returning home, Maharashtra recently allowed 12-hour work shifts until June 30 in factories in the state facing shortage of labourers. This was done under the power given in the Factories Act, according to state labour minister Dilip Walse Patil. Labour unions, however, opposed the move, alleging the decision may lead to job losses.
Odisha and Goa also did the same for three months. Both states said the workers would be paid overtime for the extra hours.With migrant workers returning home, Maharashtra recently allowed 12-hour work shifts until June 30 in factories in the state facing shortage of labourers. This was done under the power given in the Factories Act. Labour unions, however, opposed the move, alleging the decision may lead to job losses. Odisha and Goa also did the same for three months.#
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat had extended daily working hours earlier.
The Maharashtra government had received representations from two industry bodies requesting that 12-hour shifts be allowed because of shortage of labourers, Patil was quoted as saying by media reports.
As per the Act, an eight-hour shift and an additional hour of overtime is allowed.
Factories should pay double the regular wages to the labourers for the additional four hours of work. Also, the factories are expected to take all possible precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 in their premises, ensure safe distance is between two workers and make wearing masks mandatory.
The regulation strictly applies to those industries that are facing labour shortages.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (DS)
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