Trivandrum: The Labour Commissioner has issued new guidelines for the operation of the public-private sector, manufacturing sector, plantation, coir, cashew, fish processing sector, institutions and factories in the wake of the second wave of Covid in the state. The circular contains precautionary measures to be taken by employers and workers in the current situation.
Employers have been advised to provide possible workers with the opportunity to work from home. Work-from-home facilities should be provided to employees in IT and start-ups, including Technopark and Infopark. Institutions that employ sales promotion workers must ensure the safety of workers. As the government has tightened the curfew restrictions, workers should be allowed flexible time to report for work. The Labor Commissioner’s circular also states that all rightful leave should be granted to workers. Wages are not to be reduced. Workers are not to be forced to fulfil difficult targets. All private institutions/ organisations/companies should hold meetings online to prevent the spread of the disease.
Measures such as lay-off, lock-out, retrenchment and termination should not be taken during this period. Casual, Temporary, Badouli, Contract, Trainee and Daily Remuneration workers shall not be dismissed or their salaries reduced. In case of dispute, the employer and the contractor should contact the respective District Labor Officers and take action. There is also a special order to avoid labour disputes and strikes.
Money exchange units should only operate under strict security measures. Safety precautions such as soap, hand wash and sanitiser should be made available at the entrances of the establishments. Facilities like masks and gloves should be provided to the employees.
The District Labour Officer (Enforcement) and assistant labour officers must ensure that the offices provide employees with non-alcoholic cleaning wipes, disposable latex gloves and masks to ensure the health and safety of the employees in the establishment. The safety instructions provided by the Labour Department, Health Department, Chief Plantation Inspector and Factories Director and the regulations issued by the respective District Collectors must be strictly followed. District Labour Officers should liaise with the Local Self Government Department, Health Department and District Administration to ensure that accommodation, food and health facilities are available to the migrant workers.
Anil Philip
Kerala Biz News