Tamil Nadu Puts Bill Extending Factory Working Hours On Hold

The Tamil Nadu government in India has put on hold a bill that aimed to extend the maximum working hours for factory workers from eight to twelve hours per day.

Interestingly the Factories Act of 1948 says that an adult cannot work for more than 48 hours per week and not more than 9 hours in a day. 

A look at the provisions of Section 51 of the Act also takes the spread over into consideration and says that it should not exceed 10-1/2 hours.

This dichotomy between central legislation and the state bill can only be resolved through a dialogue between the relevant authorities and stakeholders. When it comes to working hours in factories, the safety and welfare of workers' becomes a talking point and when trade unions get involved, the talking point soon takes the shape of activism to protect worker rights. 

While the common concern, in this case, emerges from the fear of exploitation, it remains to be seen how the parties reach a consensus and whether any changes are made to the bill.