Understanding Work Hours and Breaks in MNCs: What Are the Legal Limits and Requirements?

Hi,

My client works in an MNC. I would like to know what the maximum working hours for an employee in a week are. Also, what is the usual break time given to an employee during the day? Is break time compulsory?

Which Act governs the working hours of an employee in an MNC?

Awaiting your reply.

There is no separate act that outlines the service conditions of employees in an MNC. It depends on the activities being carried out in the company. If the company operates in the service sector, the rules regarding spread over, working hours, and intervals of rest as provided in the State's Shops and Commercial Establishments Act will be applicable. If the company is engaged in manufacturing activities, then the Factories Act will apply. Similarly, if the company is involved in plantations, the provisions concerning working hours, spread over, etc., in the Plantations Labour Act will be applicable. Generally, working hours range between eight to nine hours with at least a half-hour break after four hours of continuous work.

It is important to note that these provisions pertain to the working hours of workers or employees and do not apply to managerial or supervisory employees.

Regards,
Madhu.T.K

Hi there,

Being employed in an MNC within India does not exempt one from the application of labor laws. Of course, as an employee of an MNC, they could be enjoying benefits much better than those prescribed by the laws of India.

The laws regarding working hours are governed more by practicality to ensure lesser fatigue when the employee comes in the next day, aiming to keep their output levels at the maximum.

So, the provisions of the law regarding working hours, if the MNC is a commercial establishment, will be as per the Shops Act of the respective state where it is situated. If the MNC is a manufacturing unit, then the Factories Act will have to be followed.

Regards