Chennai:In a landmark move which would benefits tens and thousands of employees of textile, jewellery, and restaurants, among others, a Bill to amend the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act was introduced in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Labour Welfare Minister and Skill Development CV Ganesan introduced the Bill to amend the Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947 by adding a sub section to mandatorily provide seating facilities for the staff.
The proposed Section 22-A to the Act reads: “Seating facilities - The premises of every establishment shall have suitable seating arrangements for all employees so that they may take advantage of any opportunity to sit which may occur in the course of their work and thereby avoid ‘on their toes’ situation throughout the working hours.”
The Minister, under statement of objects and reasons, said, "Persons employed in shops and establishments in the State are made to stand throughout their duty time resulting in varied health issues. Considering the plight of the employees who are on their toes throughout their duty time, it is felt necessary to provide seating facility to all the employees of the shops and establishments.”
"The subject of providing seating facility to the employees was placed in the State Labour Advisory Board Meeting held on September 4, 2019 and was unanimously approved by the members of the Board," he added.