How Can We Ensure Safe Transportation for Women Employees Working Late Shifts?

Dear All, I work with a UK-based travel firm in Gurgaon and have women employees working for evening and late-night shifts. As per the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, which is applicable to Haryana as well, we are supposed to provide women employees with office transportation post 8 PM. There are a few women employees who don't avail themselves of the company's transportation and commute on their own (personal vehicle or picked up by a spouse) during odd hours. We want to stop this practice immediately as there is a high safety risk. Please guide on how to stop this?

Clarification on Section 30 of the Punjab Shop & Establishment Act

First of all, I would like to clarify Section 30 of the Punjab Shop & Establishment Act as it applies to Haryana state, which prohibits the employment of women during night shifts. If you are employing women on night shifts, you need to obtain an exemption order under Section 28 to be exempt from the operation of Section 30. The labor commissioner has the power to grant exemptions.

Employers need to submit an application in the format provided by the labor department, along with details of transport and security arrangements, including information on drivers and security guards. Once you have received the exemption order, you can employ women in your establishment during night shifts. If the employee is being picked up by their own relative, such as a spouse or husband, then I don't see any issue with that.

However, for security reasons, it is advisable to establish a policy regarding security and transportation for night shift employees, making it mandatory for all employees, and consistently monitor it with caution.

As per the rule, the company is supposed to provide transportation to women employees post 8 PM. However, in case some women employees wish not to avail themselves of the facility, you can take it in writing. Please issue a circular and ask everyone to sign the same. You cannot force the employees to take transportation.

Hope it helps! All the best!

Exactly, please issue a circular stating that the company will only take responsibility in cases where company-provided transportation is used by female employees.

Regards,
BS