KITU flags deletion of women’s night-shift safeguards; Labour Dept. says OSH Code covers them
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU) is protesting the removal of specific safety safeguards for women working night shifts in the state's amended Shops and Commercial Establishments Act. The Labour Department maintains that these protections are now covered under the broader Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code.
Why it matters
Highlights the tension between labor unions and government regarding the protection of women's safety in the workplace during legislative transitions.
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU) has condemned the omission of several clauses of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act through an amendment, which the union said would remove several safety and security measures for women working night shifts.
The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026 (Karnataka Act No. 38 of 2026) was published in the Gazette on September 4. The government, however, has said that these safeguards are now covered under other provisions.
According to the union, the deleted rules included mandatory verification of drivers, authorised pick-up and drop routes, confidentiality of women employees’ contact details, restrictions on pick-up and drop sequences, security guards in specified situations, random vehicle checks, a control room or travel desk to monitor vehicles, and an emergency mechanism for women employees.
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