Legal Working Hours for Women: What Are the Rules and Do They Apply to Private Sector Jobs?

Hi,

I want to know what the prescribed working hours are for women according to the law and under which section. Does it apply to the private sector as well?

Thanks,
Pooja

Dear Pooja,

There are no prescribed working hours for women workers. Even the Supreme Court allows "the women workers can work during the night shift also," but the employer can provide adequate safety/protection for women workers.

MANOKAVIN

There are prescribed working hours for women in the Factories Act. However, it is also mentioned that if a woman worker extends her working hours, the employer needs to provide security measures, even for night shifts.

How can we identify the manpower shortage in the organization? Please provide me with brief information.

Kalyani - HR
Vidyuth Control Systems Private Limited.

Dear Kalyani,

Put your query on a separate/identical thread as this thread relates to 'working hours for women'.

With Regards,
R.N.Khola

There are no specific working hours prescribed by the company for women employees. Regarding night shifts, they are asked to fill out a 'voluntary declaration of night shift'.

Dear Pooja,

According to the Factory Act, working hours for women are the same as working hours for men, but the time period during which women workers are allowed to work is from 6 A.M. to 7 P.M. In special conditions, they can be exempted. For this, the factory has to take prior permission from the appropriate government. However, in this case, no female worker is allowed to work between 10:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.

As per the Shop & Establishment Act, are there any specific timings for women workers? If there is any notification regarding timings, kindly update the same.

Thank you.