Tamil Nadu Govt Withdraws Law Allowing 12-Hour Shifts In Factories After Opposition From Allies
A week ago, the government had "put on hold" the bill that would have allowed a 12-hour workday in factories on hold, following protests by labour unions opposing the plan.
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.
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.
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.