TN: Bill for ‘Flexible’ Working Hours: United Protest Prevents DMK’s Move
V B Ganesan
MAY 1, 1923 marked a historic moment in the Asian continent when Communist activist Singaravelar unfurled the red flag amidst cheers at Marina Beach in Madras. This event reiterated the demand of the Indian working class for an eight-hour working day. As this important anniversary approaches its centenary in a few days, it is unfortunate that the Tamil Nadu Assembly has moved a bill on April 21, amending the Factories Act of 1948. The amendment exempts industries from the prevailing norms on maximum working hours, holidays, and overtime wages as defined in the Act.
During the Assembly proceedings, ministers provided assurances that the current norms would remain in effect and that exemptions would only apply to select industries. They further justified the amendment by stating that foreign companies investing in Tamil Nadu expected flexibility in working hours and that employees should have the choice, rather than being forced, to work additional hours. However, CPI(M) MLA V P Nagai Maali questioned the urgency and necessity of the amendment, pointing out that the option of overtime with extra wages already existed for workers who wished to work additional hours.
The bill was passed through a voice vote despite opposition from friendly parties in the DMK alliance, such as CPI(M), CPI, VCK, MDMK, MMK, and TVK. As a mark of protest, the MLAs of CPI(M), CPI, and VCK walked out of the house.
After the passing of the amendment, there was widespread condemnation, and workers and employees across the state held protest demonstrations. Almost all trade unions condemned the move, and in a meeting held on April 23, CITU, AITUC, HMS, INTUC, AIUTUC, AICCTU, Working People Council, MLF, and NLF discussed the issue in detail. They decided to undertake a series of agitational programmes across the state, including a general strike on May 12.
On April 24th morning, three senior DMK ministers held a meeting with all trade unions to discuss the issue. During the meeting, besides CITU and AITUC, leaders of DMK's labour wing LPF also expressed their strong displeasure and protest over the amendment. The ministers assured the trade union leaders that they would convey their views to the chief minister, who would take a favourable decision on the issue,
In response to the amendment, the CPI(M) state committee issued a statement condemning the move of the DMK government and took the initiative to gather support from other political parties aligned with the DMK. Following mutual consultation, leaders of CPI(M), CPI, VCK, MDMK, DK, MMK, Congress, and TVK met with Chief Minister MK Stalin on April 24th evening. They presented a memorandum demanding the withdrawal of the bill and appealed to him to abandon the "anti-labour" amendment.
As a result of these developments, the chief minister announced on April 24th evening, through an official release, that the bill had been put on hold based on the views expressed by the representatives of trade unions.
The CPI(M) state secretariat, which met on April 24, appealed to the DMK and its government to withdraw the bill immediately in the interests of the workers in the state.
In a further development, Jean Dreze, a development economist and one of the members of the Economic Advisory Council of Tamil Nadu, which was established last year to advise the chief minister on economic matters concerning the state, has stated that the council was not consulted on this matter.
He also stated that the eight-hour limit on a normal working day is one of the most basic labour rights and expressed hope that Tamil Nadu would defend it, regardless of what other states may do. He further stated that this amendment, if revived, would be particularly detrimental to women.
