To understand and appreciate the topic of overtime in its correct perspective, proper understanding about regular working hours prescribed under the law is a must. A worker cannot be employed for more than 9 hours a day. He cannot be employed for more than 48 hours a week. He must be given an interval of rest at least ½ hour after five hours work. His total period of work inclusive of rest interval must not spread over more than 10½ hours in a day. He must be given a holiday (Week off) for whole day in a week. If he works for more than 9 hours a day or more than 48 hours a week, he shall be paid for the overtime work, at twice the ordinary rate of wages. The above restrictions can be relaxed by the chief inspector of factories or the state government under certain circumstances subject to conditions (Sections: 51,52,54,55,56,59,64 and 65 of the Factories Act 1948).
Computation of Overtime hours:
Issues have been raised in the past on computation of overtime...
