The Bill passed in the TN Assembly allowing 12 hour work days, goes against the basic rights of workers.
Earlier, workers from all over the world were made to work for 18 to 20 hours a day. This inhumane exploitation led to global protests by various outfits. After continued protests and unfortunate loss of lives, the 8 hours a day pattern came into force. It was in 1945 that Dr. Ambedkar gave us this 8 hour per day stipulation.
Former Chief Minister of Thamizhnadu Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi, batted for 6 hours a day, to strike a balance.
Unfortunately, the current TN Government has passed the 12 hour Bill, despite strong protests from the opposition and even their own alliances.
The TN Government justifies the Bill, citing foreign investments & the relative necessity to increase productivity. The government also calls this a flexible work schedule.
The Bill is perceived as a direct attack on the welfare of the people. Furthermore, the Bill negates the fight put up by the Unions, to address the well being of the workers.
People of Thamizhnadu and India in general are lagging behind in the individual happiness index. Extension of working hours would only result in human mechanisation.
Technological innovations and advancements should considerably reduce the working hours of people. That would stand as a testimony for human evolution.
Robbing the people of their basic rights may please the multinational entities who focus only on returns. But, that is an unfair disposition.
Hence, Makkal Needhi Maiam lays emphasis on withdrawing the 12 hours Bill and ensure that people are given the power to achieve a work - life balance.
SENTHIL ARUMUGAM
State secretary - Makkal Needhi Maiam.
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