Is May Day a Required Holiday for IT Staffing in Chennai? Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

Dear all, I'm working in an IT staffing company in Chennai. I have a question: Is "May Day" (01/05/2021) a mandatory leave for my sector? If yes, why is it for white-collar jobs? Please clarify for me, seniors.

May Day Holiday Policy

May 1st of every calendar year is a national holiday in view of "May Day" under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments (National, Festival, and Other Special Holidays) Act, 1958. This applies to your establishment, which falls under the TNSE Act, 1947.

On such a holiday, it is not mandatory to keep the establishment closed. However, you can either allow a holiday to all employees or ask them to work on that day, offering either double wages or an alternative holiday within three days before or after such a holiday.

May Day Holiday in Tamil Nadu

May Day, 1st May, is a national holiday under the TN National and Festival Holidays Act; hence, it is a holiday in TN.

Employees can be called to work on national and festival holidays, provided they are given off within three days or provided wages.

Dear Nandhini, The May Day (01/05/2021) is a holiday for your establishment under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments (National, Festival and other Special Holidays) Act, 1958. This holiday is not for white-collar jobs but for establishments registered under the Factories Act and the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act.

On such a holiday, the establishment can also ask the employee to work either on double wages or allow them an alternative holiday in case of emergency or exigency, or otherwise keep the establishment closed.