After Karnataka Now Tamil Nadu Amends Factories Act To Allow 12 Hours Work

A Bill amending The Factories Act, 1948 has been passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly increasing the limit of daily working hours of factory workers from 8 to 12 hours.

According to Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu, workers can now work for four days a week and take three days off without any change in their total weekly working hours. He said that this policy would greatly benefit female workers.

CV Ganesan, the Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development confirmed that the remaining three days would be paid leave and the current policies on leave, overtime, and salaries would stay the same.

Ganesan said that it is after receiving suggestions from several industries and trade associations that the state government has decided to introduce these amendments.

Further, he said that the amendment is optional and will apply to factories or establishments only if their staff chooses it.

The Bill was opposed by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Left parties and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

This comes after a similar Bill passed by the Basavaraj Bommai government in March 2022 that was seen as instrumental in securing the much-talked-about Foxconn deal for the state.

Also Read: Explained: How A Series Of Amendments In Factories Act Helped Karnataka Seal Foxconn Deal And Will Boost Its Ambition As Manufacturing Hub