‘Right To Sit’ bill has relieved several employees who spend long hours standing while they work. Tamil Nadu is the second state in India to pass such a bill after Kerala. The Tamil Nadu government has made it mandatory for the employees in showrooms, textile stores, and jewelry shops to offer seating arrangements for all employees.
The bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, September 6. CV Ganesan, Minister of Labour Welfare and Skills Development, proposed it.
The proposed Section 22-A of the Act states, “The premises of every company should include adequate seating arrangements for employees, so that they may reap the benefits of any chance to sit during their job, thereby preventing ‘on their toes’ condition throughout the working hours.“
Employees and salesmen at shops and showrooms around the state will be relieved greatly by this. Now the workers have the right to relax during their work hours.
According to the report, workers are required to stand at all times, which has had negative health consequences. As per the report, the issue was brought up in the State Labour Advisory Board meeting on September 4, 2019, and the members finally approved it.
How Kerala women won the battle for better workplace conditions?
Workers from Kerala textile stores held a protest in 2016 seeking improved workplace conditions, including taking toilet breaks, sitting, and being paid at least minimum wage. After this, the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act was modified in 2018, allowing sitting arrangements.
As per Indian Express, the new Bill is intended for thousands of employees, particularly women, who work in the retail sector, one of the country’s most extensive textile and apparel facilities – accounting for over 65 percent of all spin facilities.
Before Tamil Nadu, following an eight-year battle, Kerala women gained their ‘Right to Sit’ three years ago. In December 2018, the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act was approved, ensuring better working conditions in commercial areas.
Also, read: Right To Sit: Kerala Government’s Decision Allows Salesperson To Take Their Seat
At a cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the decision to modify the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1960 was made.
Why was Tamil Nadu so keen about the bill?
The issues faced by Tamil Nadu workers in sectors such as jewelry and textiles have been extensively reported in recent times, with workers being compelled to stand for the entirety of their daily 10-12 hour jobs.
According to the Deccan Herald and the Free Press Journal, the Tamil Nadu government announced a new amendment law to eliminate “on the toes” situations and easing the dilemma of workers who must stand all day at work.
Various sectors praised the bill, claiming that it would assist in reestablishing the integrity of labor.
Now, all the workers in the state have the right to rest their toes while they work.