Four days of work per week, and three days off. If such a thing were announced, all employees would jump with joy. It seems almost like a dream. This is set to become reality under the new labour code. However, both employees and organizations will have to follow certain rules set by the Labour Ministry. Only then will they get three consecutive days of rest after four days of work.
The Labour Ministry spoke about this on Monday. Working hours have also been clearly specified. The Labour Ministry wrote on social media, 'According to the new labour code, in case of four working days per week, employees will have to work a maximum of 12 hours per day. Only then will they get paid leave for the remaining three days. However, employees cannot be made to work more than 48 hours per week. Working beyond the stipulated time will be considered overtime. Then wages will have to be paid at double the rate.'
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To work four days a week...
Earlier too, the weekly working hours were 48 hours. There is nothing new in this. What is new is working 12 hours a day. But even that is not continuous. That is, employees will not have to work 12 hours straight. They can take rest in between. They can also have their meals. This has been stated in the new labour code.
Are the rules mandatory for everyone?
However, the Labour Ministry has also clarified that no rule is being imposed that makes working four days a week mandatory. That is, it is not compulsory. Employees will decide what they want to do. The ministry will not interfere. Any office can continue with the model of working six days a week and one day off if it wishes. Everything will depend on the organization's policy, state government rules and the nature of work.
Contract-based employees will also get benefits
Under the new labour code, contract-based employees will also get the same facilities as permanent employees. Leave, health insurance, social security - everything will be provided. It has been stated that equal wages will have to be paid for doing the same type of work as permanent employees.
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What are experts saying?
A section of experts believe the new labour code is much simpler and more transparent. Puneet Gupta, Managing Director of Protiviti's Indian branch, said, 'Very positive. Employees also have a social life. It is convenient for them. Organizations will also be able to plan according to their needs. There will be no confusion. For the first time, gig and freelance workers have also been brought under the labour code. This is also a good aspect.'
