Maharashtra government’s working hours hike in factories and shops sparks trade union protests

Trade unions in the state are gearing up for a joint protest against the state cabinet’s recent decision to amend labour laws, extending working hours in factories from 9 to 12 hours and in shops and establishments from 9 to 10 hours. These amendments, however, still require approval from the state legislature.

“Trade unions will agitate against this. These laws follow from the Centre’s amended Labour Codes. The Karnataka govt also introduced a similar amendment increasing the working hours and retracted it after strong protests from trade unions,” said Vivek Monteiro of the Trade Unions Joint Action Committee. He added, “At a time when there is a rise in automation and technology, working hours should be reduced, not increased. In any case, working hours in Indian factories are longer than in many other countries.”

Under the proposed changes, additional hours will count as overtime and be compensated at twice the rate of basic wages and allowances. The overtime limit over a three-month period would rise to 144 hours, up from the current 100 hours under the Factories Act and 125 hours under the Shops and Establishments Act.


State labour minister Akash Fundkar stated that the increase in working hours and overtime would require employee approval. “The factory owner will have to take the consent of the workers and inform the govt as well,” he said.

However, INTUC leader Govindrao Mohite raised concerns, saying, “At a time of rising unemployment, workers fear refusing more work. Even today, employers get out of paying for overtime. Now there will be even more unpaid work.”

Experts highlighted that India, being a signatory to International Labour Organisation (ILO) norms, does not align with these extended workdays. Sanjay Vadhavkar, general secretary of Hind Mazdoor Sabha, Maharashtra, also pointed out that the mandatory annual health check-up for all workers would now be restricted to employees aged 45 and above.

[With TOI inputs]