Trade Unions Protest Odisha’s Night Shift Policy for Women

On March 15, 2024, central trade unions in India protested outside the Labour Commissioner’s Office in Bhubaneswar, voicing strong opposition to the Odisha government’s recent decision to allow women to work night shifts in shops and commercial establishments. This notification has sparked significant concern among various unions, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).

Concerns Over Decision-Making Process

Representatives from these unions criticized the government for not consulting them prior to implementing the policy change. They accused the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department of bypassing established principles of tripartism and collective bargaining. The unions argue that such a significant decision regarding women’s employment rights should involve input from all stakeholders, including trade union representatives.

The government’s notification includes several safety measures, such as mandatory written consent from employees, the provision of GPS-enabled transport, and adherence to anti-harassment laws. Despite these measures, union leaders expressed doubts about the effectiveness of implementation, citing past incidents in other states where similar policies led to increased risks for women.

Risks and Health Implications

Union representatives warned that allowing women to work night shifts could expose them to greater risks and exploitation, particularly in unorganised sectors like hospitality and business process outsourcing (BPO). They emphasized that the potential for harassment and unsafe working conditions remains high, raising alarms about the adequacy of protective measures.

Additionally, unions raised concerns about the impact of night shifts on women’s health and work-life balance. They argued that provisions mandating eight hours of rest between shifts may not suffice to mitigate health risks. The unions called for the immediate suspension of the notification and insisted on comprehensive assessments that involve trade unions in the decision-making process.

Reaffirming their commitment to women’s employment rights, the unions requested a meeting with the Labour Commissioner. They aim to ensure that any future labour reforms are developed through an inclusive and democratic dialogue, advocating for the rights and safety of women in the workforce.