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Unions Slam TN Govt Draft on Women in Dangerous Jobs
30 Nov
Summary
- Unions protest Tamil Nadu draft amendment allowing women in hazardous jobs.
- Long-standing safety rules protected women from toxic and dangerous industries.
- Concerns raised over reproductive health and long-term health consequences.
Working women's wings of trade unions across Tamil Nadu held demonstrations on Saturday, protesting a draft amendment by the State government. The proposed change seeks to permit women to work in industries previously deemed hazardous for over 75 years on health and safety grounds. These sectors include fibreglass and chemical manufacturing, and fireworks production.
The organizations criticized the government for bypassing public consultation and for weakening crucial safety regulations designed to protect women workers. They highlighted that exposure to toxic substances in these industries can lead to severe short-term and long-term health issues, including anemia, neurological damage, and respiratory illnesses.
Unions also voiced alarm over potential risks to reproductive health, such as infertility and birth defects. They argued that provisions requiring women's written consent are a mere formality given job insecurity, and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the draft amendment notification.
