Coimbatore firms violate May Day holiday norms, face action

Coimbatore: Authorities have initiated action against several establishments in the district for employing workers on May 1, a national holiday, without prior intimation.Acting on the instructions of additional labour commissioner Shanthi, officials led by assistant commissioner of labour (enforcement) T Subash Chandran conducted inspections at the shops, industrial units, eateries and motor transport establishments to verify whether workers were granted the mandatory leave on Labour Day. Inspections were carried out in 247 establishments across Coimbatore, Pollachi and Mettupalayam regions. Officials found that several firms had engaged workers without granting leave and failed to provide prior notice in the prescribed format to the concerned inspector. Legal action has been initiated against 193 owners and persons in charge of 96 such establishments, including shops, industries, food outlets and transport firms. Labour department officials said penalties ranging from Rs500 to Rs10,000 would be imposed on the violators, depending on the number of workers employed.