Bhubaneswar: Central Trade Unions staged a protest Wednesday in front of the Labour Commissioner’s office, strongly opposing the Odisha government’s recent notification permitting women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments. In a joint statement, representatives of major unions — including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS, AICCTU, TUCC, and LPF — criticised the lack of consultation before the policy change. They accused the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department of bypassing trade unions in the decision-making process, thereby violating principles of tripartism and collective bargaining. While the notification includes safety measures such as mandatory written consent, GPS-enabled transport, and compliance with anti-harassment laws, unions argue that implementation remains questionable. Citing past incidents from other states, they warned the move could expose women to greater risks and exploitation, particularly in unorganised sectors like hospitality and BPOs.
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The unions also voiced concerns over night shifts’ impact on women’s health and work-life balance, arguing that provisions like eight hours of rest between shifts may be inadequate. They demanded the notification’s immediate suspension and called for thorough assessments with trade union involvement. Reaffirming their commitment to women’s employment rights, the unions urged a meeting with the Labour Commissioner to ensure future labour reforms are developed through inclusive, democratic dialogue.
