In a landmark decision, the Karnataka state government has announced that it will allow women to work night shifts in factories across the state. This move comes as a major boost for gender equality in the workplace, which will create more employment opportunities for women, and is expected to benefit the manufacturing sector, which is a major contributor to the state's economy.
Female employees will be allowed to work night shifts after providing written consent and ensuring safety measures. The bill permits an increase in the maximum number of work hours for employees from nine to 12, including rest intervals, not exceeding a total of 48 hours per week.
The Bill allows the state government to extend the total number of work hours, without an interval, to six hours for any group or class of factories, to increase the maximum daily work hours. Overtime wages at twice the ordinary wage rate will be payable to workers for working hours beyond the prescribed limit.
The Bill also permits women employees to work overtime, subject to their safety and health working night shifts. The factory must establish a grievance redressal mechanism, restrooms, transportation, lighting and CCTV cameras for women workers during the night shift.
Female drivers employed by factories must undergo pre-employment screening, and their personal information should be kept confidential. The Bill further states that no woman employee should be picked up first or dropped last.