New labor codes may allow 4-day workweeks, free medical check-ups
Under its new labor codes, the central government has proposed companies to allow the option of four-day workweeks, Labour and Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra said on Monday. However, the weekly limit of 48 working hours will remain "sacrosanct," Chandra said, indicating that per day working hours would be increased. The process to finalize the rules will likely be completed soon.
Centre not forcing employers to comply with provision
Addressing a presser on Monday, Chandra said that the Centre was not forcing employers to comply with the provision, but was seeking to provide the flexibility amid the changing work culture. Those working four days a week would work 12 hours per day. Similarly, employees can work 10 hours per day five days a week, or eight hours per day six days a week.
'Rule making process likely to complete in coming week'
Chandra said at the presser, "The rule making process is already underway and likely to complete in the coming week. All stakeholders are also consulted in the framing of rules." "This Ministry would soon be in a position to bring into force the four codes, viz., Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) and Social Security Codes," he added.
Labour Ministry was aiming to implement four codes from April
The Labour Ministry had aimed to implement the four labor codes from April 1 this year in one go. It is in the process of completing the amalgamation of 44 central labor laws into four broad codes on wages, industrial relations, social security, and OSH. A web portal will be rolled out by June 2021 for registration and other facilities of unorganized sector workers.
There will be changes in final rules
On the portal, the enrolled workers will be provided with an incentive of free coverage for a period of one year for accidental and disability cover under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bhima Yojana. Chandra said there will be changes in the final rules.
