Are you ready to work longer hours?

NEW DELHI: Labour reform is back on the UPA���s agenda. The government is considering amendments to labour norms aimed at increasing working hours, allowing hiring of seasonal workers and making contract labour rules flexible.

The changes are expected to be in consonance with the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) and are aimed at boosting exports and generating additional employment, government sources have said. Specific proposals are expected to be framed within the next four to five months.

The Centre has proposed to amend the Factory Act 1948 to increase the working week from 48 hours to 60 hours and daily work-hours from nine to 12, so that the overtime limit can be extended.

It is argued that despite the willingness of workers existing norms do not permit labourers to take more than two hours of overtime.

In order to meet the seasonal demands of export-oriented industries, like the textile sector, an amendment to the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 has also been planned, to facilitate the employment of a seasonal workforce.

The proposed amendment, however, needs to be conditional to ensure there is no reduction in the existing workforce and that temporary employees do not exceed a stipulated level of the permanent workforce.

Furthermore, the government is toying with the idea of amending the Contract Labour Act in specified non-core activities in tune with modern outsourcing practices.

An indication to this effect was made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at 40th Indian Labour Conference in December ���05. ���A more flexible and transparent regime of laws, including labour laws, will in fact contribute to increased employment,��� Mr Singh said at the conference.

���Appropriate and relevant labour legislation is, therefore, in the interests of labour and the nation as a whole. I urge our labour leaders and those committed to the welfare of the working class to recognise the reality.���

This notwithstanding, Mr Singh clarified that the government was against any hire and fire policy.

The proposals may attract minimal resistance from the Left parties and trade unions as any change would be introduced only after consulting them, sources have added. Labour reform is one of the economic agendas of the government.