After consultations have dragged on for over two years, trade unions and the government are yet to arrive at a consensus [on amendments to the 1948 Factories Act]. The amendments will allow women to work night shifts (7 p m to 6 a m), benefiting not just a large section of the female workforce but also industries like textiles. However, the Left unions want better facilities and protection for women employees before the Bill, introduced on August 18, 2005, is passed in Parliament...