Offices, shops to stay closed on May 16

The state labour department has issued an advisory asking all offices, establishments, shops and eateries, including hotels and cinema theatres to remain shut on May 16 to enable employees to vote.

"The Election Commission is aiming at 100% turnout on May 16 and to achieve this, all establishments, shops, hotels and other eateries, cinema
theatres and other public and private enterprises must close. These organisations must pay full wages to all employees, including temporary, contract and daily wages on that day," said a department press release.

To lodge complaints against organisations, which do not close establishments on May 16, people can contact K Giriraj at 9445398738 in north Chennai and S Neelakantan at 9445398739 in south Chennai. There are also control rooms being operated for people to lodge complaints, said the press release.