Curious About Legal Working Hours in Indian 5-Star Hotels? Let's Discuss!

What are the legal maximum working hours in a 5-star hotel in India? If anyone knows, please tell me along with the reference.

Since the 5-star hotels are covered under the Shops and Establishment Act, I recommend you refer to the act of your state. If you are from Delhi, then you may refer to the provisions of "The Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954".

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

I am hired as a trainee in a 5-star hotel, and they make all the trainees work for 12 hours or more, 6 days a week. So, do the working hours mentioned under the 'Delhi Shops and Establishment Act, 1954' apply to the hotel industry?

Delhi Shop and Establishment Act and Its Application to Hotels

In fact, the Delhi Shop and Establishment Act specifically provides for hotels and restaurants. So, yes, the work hours apply. Being a trainee does not exempt the employee from the provisions of the act.

Working Hours in Star Hotels vs. Ordinary Hotels

The system in restaurants attached to star hotels differs from ordinary hotels. Ordinary restaurants work continuously, whereas in a star hotel, they will be open for breakfast, then closed for cleaning, and will resume for lunch. Again, they will be closed for at least 3 hours before reopening for dinner. Therefore, the arrangement of three shifts may become impractical.

Although it is illegal as per law since the spread over exceeds more than 10 hours and 30 minutes, the employees get more rest time than actually required. The practice of working 12 hours in total is very common. However, for roles like housekeeping or room service that require continuous working without breaks like those in restaurants, it warrants attention from authorities.

If it is a policy, then you may need to find an alternative, which could involve leaving the organization or even the industry. Pursuing legal action could potentially harm your own career.