KOCHI: Geetha (name changed) has to walk 30 minutes to reach the textile shop in Kochi where she works as a saleswoman. Her job requires her to welcome the customers, guide them to different sections and sometimes fill in for others. And, all the while, she is not allowed to sit, except maybe during lunch time. Even if she wants to sit down, there are no chairs.
“It is very hectic at times. You cannot even use toilets. We hardly get 15 minutes to have lunch and it is the most awaited time of the day where we would be able to sit. We are back on our toes till evening,” she said.
With the State Cabinet on Wednesday deciding to amend the Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act for preventing sexual harassment against women employees and providing for their sitting facilities in the shops, it will be a big relief for saleswoman and men across the state who work in textile and jewellery shops.
“The government move is definitely a breather for all employees working in the field. We have been fighting for so long for our rights. During special offers and seasons, the situation gets worse, customers will be rushing in and at times we will not even have our lunch,” said Ajitha R (name changed), another sales girl in a Kochi textile showroom.
Several small-scale textile shops lack even toilet facility. “Several commercial shops, including textiles, do not have toilet facilities. The employees will either have to depend on the toilets in the other shops nearby or the public toilets in the area and that too if there are any,” said Sruthi Pillai, a research student.
Even if it is for one woman working at the shop, toilet facility must be provided.
Though it is mandatory for all the organisation, there still exist shops without such facilities, she added.
The case isn’t any different for male employees. “Each day is a struggle. From the moment we arrive at 10 am, it is non-stop work till 10 pm. The normal working hours may be 8 hours for every other organisation, but for us, it is 10 and 12. Employers won’t hire more people to save money,” says Krishnan, a staffer.
He says there are chairs for them, but they rarely get time to sit.
“Same is the case of women. They will have to stand throughout the working hours,” he added.
In the majority of textile shops, the condition of employees is almost the same. “We, as customers, look forward to our satisfaction in which the saleswoman play a major role. I have not seen any employee sitting in the shop during working hours,” said Sheril, a city resident.