Govt says workers in essential industries required to report for work

Gandhinagar: The state government on Thursday said that employees and workers of industries and establishments dealing in essential goods and services are not exempted to report for work and allowed employers to act against employees and workers refusing to do so.

The direction comes in the wake of complaints that some workers in industries and establishments dealing in essential goods and services are refusing to report to work citing the ongoing lockdown.

“We have received complaints that a few workers and employees of exempted industries who are involved in essential goods and services are not reporting for work citing lockdown.” Vipul Mittra, additional chief secretary, Labour and Employment department, said.

Mittra said that industries and establishments dealing with essential goods such as pharma and food items have been exempted from the lockdown to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential items during the lockdown.

“Employees and workers of such industries and establishments are required to report for work. The employers are well within their rights to deduct wages in case such employees and workers do not do so. They can also initiate other disciplinary action against the erring employees and workers,” Mittra said.

The Labour Commissioner issued a notification in this regard on Thursday.

However, Mittra also clarified that employers will be required to comply with all directions and protocols to protect their employees and workers from The pandemic.

“The government is committed to the welfare of employees and workers. The employers will be required to arrange for thermal screening, and also provide face masks and hand gloves to employees and workers. Social distancing will also be required to be strictly adhered to,” he added.