Shift Overlap Confusion: Can Anyone Clarify the New Labor Authority Rules?

I am seeking your help on the aforementioned topic. In our plant, we operate under three shifts with the following schedules:

Shift Schedules

Shift A: 06:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Includes a half-hour lunch break)
Shift G: 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Shift B: 1:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Recently, we have been instructed by our labor authorities to alter our shift timings. This is due to an overlap they identified between Shift A and Shift B, which occurs from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. However, my understanding is that shift overlap is usually identified when shifts extend beyond their designated times. In this particular case, I am not seeing a clear instance of overlap. Could anyone provide clarification on this matter? Are there any specific documents that provide guidance on situations like this?

I appreciate your assistance. Thank you.

The labor authorities have advised you correctly! There is a clear prohibition on overlapping shifts. This is covered in the chapter "Working Hours." Kindly check it out, but I will generally explain what the law means by "overlapping shifts": when two sets of workers do the same job but have different (and overlapping) shifts!

Please review your work organization to ensure that this does not occur!

If you need more help, please post the question!

Regards,
Samvedan

In actuality, when Shift B begins, the employees from Shift A start filling out documents, and Shift B commences work on the machines previously operated by Shift A. The issue we are facing is that over 65% of our workforce is female, and due to safety concerns, we only permit them to work on-site until 10:00 PM. This restriction prevents us from adjusting our shift timings.

Alternative Suggestions Needed

Do you have any alternative suggestions?

According to the Factories Act of 1948, women cannot work beyond 7 pm. So, in any case, you are violating the law.

Shift Timings

Shift timings can be as follows:
- A Shift: 06:00 am - 02:00 pm
- B Shift: 02:00 pm - 10:00 pm

You can allocate most of the female employees to the General and A Shift.

Regards,
Nidhi

Sir,

As per the Factories Act, overlapping of shifts is quite tricky to understand and follow. The thumb rule is that two different shifts in one area for the same kind of work are called overlapping. For example, if there is a shift from 9 AM to 7 PM in the logistics area, and you wish to start another shift in the same area for the same work from 11 PM to 9 AM, it is a clear example of overlapping.

Please see for reference.