A recent report states that stores across Tamil Nadu may soon be allowed to operate through the night for three years. According to the newspaper, the Commissioner of Labour has accepted a proposal under the Shops and Establishments Bill to adopt the new move for the state.
The decision, however, comes with the condition that they ensure the safety of women employees. Under the ordinary circumstance, women need not work beyond 8 pm. However, the employer can obtain written consent from the woman employee to work between 8 pm and 6 am. The notification reportedly states that women employees be provided with adequate protection during this period.
In 2016, the Union Cabinet had cleared a model which allowed workplaces such as shops, malls, cinema halls, and other commercial establishments to stay open round the clock throughout the year. For establishments already operating on all days, the hours could be further extended. However, it was up to the states to enact the same in totality or adapt it to suit their needs. As per reports, the state’s notification says that every employee shall be given one day off in a week on a rotation basis. It also requires that an employer does not require or allow any person to work for more than eight hours in any day or 48 hours in any week and the period of work including overtime shall not exceed 10.5 hours in any day and 57 hours in a week.
