Indian government extends working hours in textile sector
01/08/2006
In a meeting of Indian government ministers on the ‘Textile Export scenario – performance, prospects and the way forward’, the following proposals were considered for the textile sector: Providing flexibility to textile exporting units in hiring labour by amending the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, exempting textile units (units exporting 75% of their annual production) from the provisions of Chapter V(B), provided such units give employment for at least 100 days a year for all employees; treating export activity in the textile sector as a public utility service, for the purpose of industrial dispute. This would require an amendment to the Section 2(n) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, declaring textile export activity as Public Utility Service; amendments to Section 51 and 54 of the Factories Act, 1948, to increase the weekly working hours from 48 to 60 hours per week and the daily working hours from nine to twelve hours a day. The workers will be suitably compensated for working extra hours.
A conference of the state governments/Trade Unions and Textile Industry Associations was later held to discuss labour, power and transaction cost issues in the textile sector. The recommendations have not yet been finalised.
A conference of the state governments/Trade Unions and Textile Industry Associations was later held to discuss labour, power and transaction cost issues in the textile sector. The recommendations have not yet been finalised.
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