Hotel industry included under Factories Act

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Good decision, I guess!!Karthik.Hotel industry included under Factories Act

Press Trust Of India / New Delhi January 14, 2008

In

a welcome development for hotel employees, the industry will now have

to fix proper shifts and pay overtime if they work for more than eight

hours a day, apart from ensuring workers' health, safety and welfare

facilities.

With the decision of

ministry of labour and employment to include the 'Hotel Industry' under

the Factories Act, the rulebook of all the leading hotels would need a

relook.

"Hotel industry will

have to work in a disciplined way with the inclusion of the industry

under the Factories Act. The Act clearly says that the employees will

work for eight hours in a shift and overstaying period will be paid and

they have to do it," said a high-level official in the labour ministry.

"It is not only the

time frame or shifts but the industry will also probably have to look

at the employee's issues relating to health, safety, welfare

facilities, working hours, employment of young persons and annual leave

with wages which is all a part of Factories Act with the inclusion,"

confirmed a ministry source.

The Factories Act is a

social legislation which has been enacted for occupational safety,

health and welfare of workers at work places. This Act provides for a maximum punishment up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh or both.

Reacting to the decision, Sanjay Bose, manager, Human Resources of Taj Group of Hotels, said this is not a welcome decision. "We already have a set

of norms that ensures safety and health issues of employees. We have

been anyways covered under shops and establishment Act, so there is no

point including us under the Factories Act," Bose said.Industry workers, however,

cheered the move. " Most of the time we work for more than 14 hours a day and

without proper weekly rests. The inclusion is certainly a welcome move. It will

create a conducive work environment, " said a senior level official of a renowned

five star hotel.-- B Karthik and Lalitha KarthikDiamond District.Bangalore, India.Cell:- +91 98440 26214. /+91 80 41554043.Take it Easy and Take care. Live Consciously MY BLOG: www.Karthikkaraikudy.blogspot.comMy Linkedin Profile:- http://www.linkedin.com/in/karthikkaraikudy