Labor Laws – Zendesk

Indian labor laws, a combination of the Constitution, existing acts, and four new labor codes, govern wages, working conditions, social security, industrial relations, and equality. Key aspects include a maximum 48-hour work week, laws for minimum wages, and provisions for social security benefits like provident fund and maternity leave. The new codes aim to simplify and consolidate many of these regulations, introducing provisions like the potential for a four-day work week while maintaining the 48-hour limit.

Key areas covered by Indian labor laws

Wages:

Laws like the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, ensure fair and timely payment, with the new Wage Code introducing a uniform minimum wage based on a floor wage set by the central government. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, prohibits discrimination based on gender.
Working hours:

The Factories Act, 1948, sets a maximum of 9 working hours per day and 48 hours per week, with mandatory breaks. The Shops and Establishments Act also regulates working hours and overtime pay.
Industrial relations:

Acts like the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, provide a framework for resolving disputes between employers and employees and facilitating collective bargaining. The Trade Unions Act, 1926, grants workers the right to form trade unions.
Social security:

This includes provisions for various benefits like maternity leave under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and retirement benefits through schemes like the Employees' Provident Fund.
Health and safety:

Laws like the Factories Act, 1948, and the Mines Act, 1952, are in place to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees in various sectors.
Child labor:

The Constitution and laws like the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibit and regulate child labor.