The Labour Department has initiated action against 84 establishments in Erode district for failing to provide holiday to workers on Independence Day on Saturday (August 15, 2026).A. Rajakumar, Assistant Commissioner of Labour (Enforcement), Erode, said in a press release that inspections were carried out in Erode, Bhavani, Perundurai, Gobichettipalayam and Sathyamangalam under the Tamil Nadu Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1958.Officials inspected 51 shops, 53 eating establishments, and eight motor transport establishments. Violations were detected in 84 of the 112 sites inspected — 40 shops, 40 eating establishments and four motor transport establishments. These had engaged workers on August 15 without providing them the mandatory holiday or complying with provisions relating to double wages or a compensatory holiday, the release said.Under the law, establishments that require workers to work on a national holiday must pay them double wages or provide a compensatory holiday. They are also required to submit the prescribed notice to the jurisdictional Labour Inspector at least 24 hours in advance and obtain approval. Action has been initiated against the owners of the establishments for violating the provisions of the Act and rules, the release added. Published - August 15, 2026 07:24 pm IST