The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has given its approval to the Factories Act (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2025. That means now workers will enjoy four-day workweeks with shifts that last 12 hours (maximum). However, no more than 48 hours of work are allowed in a week. Women too will now be able to work night shifts provided they consent to the same in writing. Earlier, women were not allowed to work between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Factories can now run 12-hour shifts (maximum), inclusive of breaks, but the weekly limit of 48 hours should not be exceeded. Those who work four 12-hour shifts consecutively should be allowed two days of paid leave (on the fifth and sixth days). Those who put in more than nine hours daily or over 48 hours in a week are eligible for overtime pay. Additionally, factories are mandated to provide separate restrooms, toilets and healthcare facilities for women.
Workers are now to be allowed a break of 30 minutes after every six hours of work. Earlier, the break was allowed after every five hours.
These amendments will only come into effect on receipt of a formal approval from the President of India.
It is pertinent to mention here that these amendments are applicable only to employees covered under the definition of “workers” as per the Factories Act, 1948. That means only those actively contributing to a manufacturing process and that too in a registered factory. This definition excludes office staff or those in non-manufacturing roles. Therefore, the changes will not apply to media professionals or workers in the information technology (IT) space.
what remains to be seen is whether these amendments will lead to exploitation of the already overworked workers.
1 Comment
New slave regime.. instead of improving the working condition and benefits. It is a modern slave methodology. What will the worker will do th 3 days rest.. can the legislature monitor they will take rest..