Confused About New OT Limits at Work? Seeking Advice on How to Address It

I have a query about OT and stretches at the company where I have been working for the past 4 years. Initially, I was allowed to work unlimited OT and stretches up to August 2010. However, the company later implemented a 50-hour capping for each quarter. When I inquired about the sudden change to the higher authorities, they mentioned that the local government authorities had mandated the capping.

My Queries

1. Why was unlimited OT and stretches permitted previously?
2. Did the capping only come into effect recently and was not in place before?

Regarding the current 50-hour limit per quarter, how can I raise this issue further and who should I approach for clarification?

If necessary, I can provide evidence that the company had previously allowed unlimited OT and stretches and has recently imposed restrictions. I can also share a copy of the escalation letter addressed to the Operations Manager.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss this matter further.

Thanks and Regards,
Vinod Vanukuru
[Company Name Removed For Privacy Reasons]
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Answers to your query:

1. Why did they allow Unlimited OTs and Stretches previously?

Earlier, they might not have followed the Act/policy or were not aware of it. Perhaps an inspection from the Labour department prompted them to comply, or the employee strength was low, as the case may be.

2. Was the capping previously not available and came into effect recently?

No, it is clearly mentioned under the Factories Act 1948 (Section 64) and the Shops and Establishment Act of the respective state:

- The total number of hours of work in any day shall not exceed ten hours.
- The spread over inclusive of intervals for rest shall not exceed 12 hours in any one day.
- The total number of hours of work in a week, including overtime, shall not exceed sixty.
- The total number of hours of overtime work shall not exceed fifty for any one quarter.

You don't need to provide any details or documents since your company is abiding by the law/act. Now you should also abide by the same.

Thank you for your response. However, I would like to inquire if there is a way to increase the overtime (OT) and stretching activities. This request is important to me as my father is a heart patient, my mother has passed away, and I am the only son responsible for taking care of my father's medical needs. My father has undergone heart surgery more than twice, adding to the financial and emotional burden on me.

I kindly ask for a positive response to this request. I look forward to your reply.

Thank you.

As of now, it is fifty only. There is no possibility. Moreover, an expert committee has proposed 100 hours per quarter in the amendment of the Factories Act (June 2011) - which is not yet finalized. However, soon we can expect this. But as of now, it is 50 only.

Regards,