Allowing Women To Work Night Shifts, Paying Double Overtime, 5 Key Takeaways From Factories Bill
This will create employment opportunities for women!
The Factories Act 1948 was amended by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly to pass the Factories Bill on February 22, 2023. The new changes were made in the Act to boost economic opportunities and generate employment as well. The changes in the Bill were also made keeping in mind the thought of providing equal opportunities for women. From allowing women to work night shifts to allowing all employees to work for 12 hours a day, and then take three days off, some positive amendments have been made. Here are the key highlights from the Factories Bill that you should know.
1. Women allowed to work night shifts
In a first, the Factories Bill will now allow women to work night shifts as well. J C Madhuswamy, Minister Of Law & Parliamentary Affairs, said that because there were restrictions on the working hours of women, there was pressure on the government to change these rules. Women are allowed to work between 7 AM to 6 PM.
Image – Pixabay
2. Safety measures for women working night shifts
Allowing women to work night shifts questions about safety, which have also been taken into consideration. In factories where women will be working night shifts, the employer has to ensure transport facilities from the women’s homes to the place of work. These vehicles also need to be equipped with GPS and CCTV cameras.
Image – Pixabay
3. Women employees should be employed in groups for night shifts
A group of 10 female employees, not less, will be allotted the night shift. The Bill also makes it important for the workplace of the night shift to have proper lighting and CCTV cameras whose footage should be stored for 45 days and no less.
4. Increasing work timings to 12 hours
The Bill also has increased the timings of the work shift to 12 hours a day. This gives the employees a chance to work for four days and take three days off.
Image – Pixabay
Also read: Men Don’t Understand Period Cramps But They Sure Have Opinions About Menstrual Leave. Tumko Pucha Kisi Ne?
5. Overtime workers to be paid twice the wages
Those employees who end up working more than the set hours will be paid their overtime wages which will be twice more than their normal wages.
These amendments look pretty good on paper but how efficient and effective they are will only be proven after it is brought into effect.
