Is It Legal for Companies to Demand 24/7 Availability Without Proper Leave?

Hi all, I am working as an assistant manager in a service-providing company for banking products, providing 24/7 service, and expecting employees to work 24/7 as well. We do not get weekly offs and must be ready to go into the field at any time. Our casual leaves are not granted properly and are sometimes canceled by the bosses. There are no public holidays given, and we are forced to either work 24/7 or leave our jobs. Can an IT service-providing company demand 24/7 service from an employee? Is there any law against this? Our personal lives are being completely destroyed.

Thank you.

Hi Manoj,

The weekly off is compulsory for all employees. Even contract workers can take leave during the week.

If a company is not providing the same and is forcing an employee to work or quit, what are the options available? Is there any law against 24/7 services imposed on employees?

Thank you.

Dear Manoj, Your firm is registered under the Shops and Establishment Act; hence, it needs to comply with the regulations. What sounds like internal mismanagement can be reported for further corrections. Which state is this?

As (Cite Contribution) mentioned, please check if your company is registered under the Shops & Establishments Act. Please take a look at the attached document as it may provide assistance. Let us know if you require any further information on this.

Regards,

Company Regulations and Employee Rights

Company belongs to Mumbai, and I am working in Delhi. We have rules and regulations in all states of India. However, if a company is registered in the Shops category, it has the right to require 24/7 work and may not provide time for personal life. Our laws state that workers should not be treated like animals or machines.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or clarification.

Regards

Compliance with State Labor Laws

Any registered company must adhere to the rules of the relevant Act in their state, which outlines working hours, weekly offs, and leaves. You can express your concerns to the HR head in writing. If there is no response, you may consider legal action with adequate support.

Before proceeding, please clarify whether the job involves fieldwork on-call or requires you to attend the office 24x7. This information is crucial for providing appropriate advice. Additionally, let us know the terms and conditions specified in your appointment letter.

Regards