AITUC demands withdrawal of model law on shops

The All India Trade Union Congress has demanded withdrawal of the model law approved by the government which allows malls and other establishments to operate round the clock, saying it will increase working hours and endanger safety of women working in night shifts.

"AITUC Secretariat has opposed approval by the Cabinet of Model Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill 2016 allowing shops, malls and other establishments to remain open all days and all hours, allowing employers to have flexi working hours and employment of women in night shift," AITUC Secretary D L Sachdev said in a statement here.

According to the statement, the model law will permit establishments in states to have 9 or more working hours and allow women in night shifts, which will endanger their security.

Model law without approval of Parliament is an attempt to force states to allow establishments to have long working hours, it said.

AITUC has demanded withdrawal of the model law and ensure decent working conditions to workers employed in various shops and establishments.