Change Laws for Women Workers in Night-Shifts: Union Gov to States

Currently, working hours for women in factories extend from 6 am to 7 pm. (Photo: iStockphoto)

The Union government has written to all state chief secretaries to rework their policies regarding women factory workers in night-shifts. The Labour and Employment Ministry has asked for incorporation of changes that allow for better participation of women in the workforce, reports Livemint.

The Ministry asserts that since half of the workforce in India is constituted by women, not giving women enough opportunities in the work realm is not only depriving them of equal rights, but also hampering the economy. Currently, working hours for women in factories extend from 6 am to 7 pm.

The demand for changes comes in the wake of the Factories Amendment Bill for labour reforms which has been pending for two years

The central legislation is pending for quite some time and it’s required that states take the initiative. It’s a long pending demand of industry – and if not the centre, then states must strive for it. It’s time to accelerate labour reforms.

Rituparna Chakraborty, Senior Vice-President, Teamlease Services

The letter to the secretaries also demands adequate safety measures for women workers.

Union government had earlier written to states regarding labour laws in December 2014. This is the second such instance since then.