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Representative image.
(Reuters)
A request was also made to adjust benefits under ESI and PF. However, since both fall under the central government, state authorities have expressed their inability to make changes to the rules.
- CNN-News18 Bangalore
- Last update: May 9, 2020, 6:16 p.m. IST
As various state governments initiate measures to amend labor laws to help revive industries, trade agencies in Karnataka have also sought relaxation of the rules in light of the coronavirus pandemic and consequent national blockade.
In an interaction of various industry bodies, including the Confederation of Indian Industries (IIC), with the state secretary of labor, Captain Manivannan, stakeholders raised the issues of non-payment of wages to employees, as well as layoffs inevitable and to what action that would lead.
Manivannan assured industry bosses that his department will not issue notices to organizations that cannot pay April wages.
“No action will be taken against such companies. In case there is a complaint, we will ask if the company has the capital to make payments, if they do, through industry associations, we will ask them to pay their employees. If they they can’t do it, the matter ends there, “Manivannan said.
Representatives of the food processing industry also asked if working hours could be increased to more than 72 hours per week or 12 hours per day, to compensate for the time lost during the pandemic, in addition to the increased manufacturing cost to work with half of the workforce.
The department said it would consider these suggestions as it would help revive the economy. The secretary also said that it would be necessary to rethink what other industries could be added to the list of essential services so that more industries could start operating.
Regarding the migrant worker crisis, the department said “the wishes of the migrants must be fulfilled.” He also asked the various industries to investigate the funds of the construction and construction workers welfare association.
“The association can access Rs 8 billion in this fund and any worker who has worked for a minimum of three months is eligible to receive grants. Companies can take advantage of this corpus,” said Manivannan.
The Labor Department also said that if industries can maintain and test 100% of social distancing measures that would be considered to be working in full force, a letter with a recommendation will be sent to the ministry of commerce to facilitate it.
A request was also made to adjust the benefits of the State Employee Insurance (ESI) and the Provident Fund (PF). However, since both fall under the central government, state authorities have expressed their inability to make changes to the rules.
Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, have relaxed labor laws and have come under fire for giving in to the exploitation of workers and their rights.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government allowed garment units in the red zone districts, but outside the containment zones, to resume operations with a third of the workforce.
Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar, in the May 8 order, said that all recognized apparel factories that have an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) and those registered with the Clothing Export Promotion Council ( AEPC) can start operating with a third of the total workforce in the red zone. districts, but outside the containment zones.
He said the permit is subject to following the Standard Operating Procedures. Currently, Urban Bengaluru, Rural Bengaluru, and Mysuru are the red-light districts in the state.
(With PTI tickets)
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