Dear Seniors,
In the case of the Factories Act, if the number of employees is more than 250, then a canteen has to be set up by the employer. However, is it mandatory for the employer to provide food/snacks/tea to the employees in that canteen? Can an employee raise an industrial dispute to initiate such a provision in the factory?
From India, Pune
470In the case of the Factories Act, if the number of employees is more than 250, then a canteen has to be set up by the employer. However, is it mandatory for the employer to provide food/snacks/tea to the employees in that canteen? Can an employee raise an industrial dispute to initiate such a provision in the factory?
From India, Pune
Hi Prashant,
It is not specified in the factory's act which type of food they should serve, but it is presumed that the canteen owner will provide meals, tea, and breakfast at a reasonable rate decided by the union and management. Instead of making it a disputable subject, tell your canteen contractor to provide as per the workers' demand; after all, it will increase his business and earnings. I have worked with more than 5 large-scale companies, and everywhere I have found canteen contractors are providing all things, even soft drinks.
Some issues we shouldn't find in laws; these are adjustable issues, and as HR, we shouldn't let workers make them disputable issues.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
It is not specified in the factory's act which type of food they should serve, but it is presumed that the canteen owner will provide meals, tea, and breakfast at a reasonable rate decided by the union and management. Instead of making it a disputable subject, tell your canteen contractor to provide as per the workers' demand; after all, it will increase his business and earnings. I have worked with more than 5 large-scale companies, and everywhere I have found canteen contractors are providing all things, even soft drinks.
Some issues we shouldn't find in laws; these are adjustable issues, and as HR, we shouldn't let workers make them disputable issues.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
Mr Arjun. Before saying that the Factories Act do not specify about food stuffs in canteen read Sec 46(2)(c) of the FA Act and the state rules under it. Varghese Mathew 09961266966
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
Mr.Varghese, Can you please attach factory’s act file so that I can save a copy of that. Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
From India, Hyderabad
Ideally a HRD person should have at least one copy of all the bare Acts on labour.You should buy a book on Factories Act or download it from site.of central labor dept or CLR etc Varghese Mathew
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
Dear Prashan,
Sh. Varghese Mathew has rightly pointed out to Sh. Arun that one should go through the Factory Act, 1948, or any legislation before replying to a query. Section 46 of the Act clearly provides complete information on the canteen. The state government has been empowered to frame its own rules for governing the canteen. I agree with Sh. Mathew that you should have your own source for downloading the books. The Factory Act is the bulkiest book unlike others for attachment to this thread. An employee can raise an industrial dispute if an employer does not provide food, snacks, tea, etc., to the employees, provided the dispute is espoused by a union.
BS Kalsi
Member since Aug 2011
From India, Mumbai
Sh. Varghese Mathew has rightly pointed out to Sh. Arun that one should go through the Factory Act, 1948, or any legislation before replying to a query. Section 46 of the Act clearly provides complete information on the canteen. The state government has been empowered to frame its own rules for governing the canteen. I agree with Sh. Mathew that you should have your own source for downloading the books. The Factory Act is the bulkiest book unlike others for attachment to this thread. An employee can raise an industrial dispute if an employer does not provide food, snacks, tea, etc., to the employees, provided the dispute is espoused by a union.
BS Kalsi
Member since Aug 2011
From India, Mumbai
Mr. Kalsi & Mr. Varghese,
I agree with you, but the copy I have does not mention which type of food should be provided in a canteen. It is requested that both of you kindly attach the Act copy or the particular section.
Meanwhile, I will buy the latest copy of the Factory's Act.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
I agree with you, but the copy I have does not mention which type of food should be provided in a canteen. It is requested that both of you kindly attach the Act copy or the particular section.
Meanwhile, I will buy the latest copy of the Factory's Act.
Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
You should buy a book on Factories Act with rules of the state where you are working.If not available in local book stalls ,contact the local Factories Inspector. Varghese Mathew
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
From India, Thiruvananthapuram
Mr. Varghese Yes I will buy book but can you please attach the Sec copy of the same. you can attach scan copy of the page also. Arun J.
From India, Hyderabad
From India, Hyderabad
Please don't attach the full Act; you can attach the particular Section page where it is written that the following types of food an employer can provide in the canteen. Your satisfactory reply is needed. If everyone started telling others to buy a book and find their answer, then what is the use of the forum? You should solve the query. If it is written in the act, why are you not attaching the same?
Arun J
From India, Hyderabad
Arun J
From India, Hyderabad
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