Central trade unions, including INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, TUCC, and LPF, staged a strong protest outside the Labour Commissioner’s office in Bhubaneswar, opposing the Odisha government’s recent notification allowing women employees to work night shifts (7 PM to 6 AM) in shops and commercial establishments.
Issued on August 4, 2025, by the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department, the notification amends the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, exempting women from Section 23 restrictions, subject to conditions like written consent and safety measures.
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The unions, led by Mahendra Parida, criticised the decision as unilateral, alleging it violates Indian labour laws’ tripartite consultation principles and International Labour Organisation (ILO) guidelines. They raised concerns about inadequate safety provisions, potential health risks, and disruptions to women’s family lives. Despite stipulations for GPS-enabled transport, a minimum of three women per shift, CCTV surveillance, and compliance with sexual harassment prevention laws, the unions questioned their practical enforcement, citing Karnataka’s experience, where similar policies led to increased crimes against women.
The joint platform of trade unions demanded the immediate suspension of the notification and called for a tripartite meeting involving the government, employers, and unions to address these issues. Leaders like Bijay Jena, Manju Mishra, Pranati Mishra, Dushmanta Das, Niranjan Mohanty, Jyotiranjan Mahapatra, BN Mohapatra, Kishore Jena, former MLA Radhakant Sethi, Bansidhar Parida, Ramesh Jena, Laxmi Dora, and Satya Tripathy joined the protest, urging the government to reconsider its decision.
The unions emphasised that without proper consultation and robust safety mechanisms, the policy risks compromising women’s safety and well-being. The protest underscores growing tensions between labour rights advocates and policymakers over workplace reforms in Odisha.
