The extension of working hours to 12 from 8 has been welcomed by Tiruppur’s garment exporters, who claim that it will make Tamil Nadu an appealing location for investments.
Sakthivel, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, and KM Subramanian, president of the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association, stated in news releases that the statutory provision for flexible working hours benefits the State and workers, particularly women employees, in a number of ways.
In addition to providing higher pay to workers in the State, flexible working hours—including overtime and spread-over hours—that encompass 13 labour laws will contribute to the improvement of safety, health, and working conditions.
According to Mr. Sakthivel, the State Government’s endeavour will contribute to the creation of numerous job possibilities. This change will increase state investment and also aid the export sector in matters of compliance in important markets, he noted.However, AITUC members organised a rally in Coimbatore to denounce the State government for changing working hours by amending the Factories Act. The eight-hour shift was won only after much effort, especially from the AITUC, according to M. Arumugam, the union’s state secretary.
