The Government of Tamil Nadu has brought in a bill in the Legislative Assembly amending the Section 65-A of the Factories Act. The Bill was reported to be a procedure to change the working hours of workers from 8 hours to 12 hours. The Act provides for a 12-hour daily work a week with 4 days of work and 3 days off.
The Congress, MDMK Party, Mamata Banerjee, VCK, Communists, DMK alliance parties and all opposition parties strongly opposed this bill in the Assembly. Despite the protests, the 12-hour working hours in factories amendment bill was passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly with the support of DMK legislators through a voice vote. This is shocking.
In this situation, the trade unions have announced that they will hold a strike and picket protest across Tamil Nadu on May 12, demanding the withdrawal of the 12-hour work bill.
"Foreign companies are entering Tamil Nadu for investment. This Act has been introduced to bring flexibility in the factories. This applies only to those who wish to do so. A committee will be set up in this regard,'' Industry Minister Thangam Thennarasu explained.
Labor Welfare and Skill Development Minister C.V Ganesan said, "We should work 48 hours a week. After completing this time in 4 days, if the worker wants to work for the fifth day, the law provides that they will be paid. Not all companies have this rule. This law would applicable only for the workers who want the new work norms”, he said.
There was a period of 14 hours of labor per day. It is history that on November 28, 1945 with the effort taken by Dr. Ambedkar, working hours were reduced to 8 hours on the basis of a tripartite agreement by a committee consisting of workers' representatives, factory owners' representatives and government representatives. Now the question arises whether we are traveling backwards. No one can deny that creating a mentality of working long hours for the wage is against human rights and welfare.
It is important to consider human labor, humanity, welfare, family welfare etc. rather than income.
Saying that anyone can work 12 hours is not acceptable. The 'Dravidian model' government led by Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, who works in the interests of the people, should immediately reconsider and withdraw this bill.
In this situation, the Tamil Nadu government is going to hold talks with the trade unions this afternoon. If a good decision is taken, an announcement should be made that the 12-hour work bill will be withdrawn. That is what the workers and public of Tamilnadu as a whole expect.
Humans are not machines!