Bad news for techies: Karnataka govt plans to increase working hours to 12 hours per day; IT unions oppose move

Economic Times

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Karnataka working hours' move follows Andhra
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Trade Unions against proposed rise in Karnataka working hours
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The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government has alleged move to extend daily working hours in certain sectors, including IT, from 10 hours to 12 hours, a move met with resistance from several trade unions.As per Section 7 of the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, the working hours per day cannot exceed nine hours and the maximum hours of overtime cannot exceed 10 hours. The Act also puts an upper limit of 50 hours on overtime (OT) work for three months. Through the proposed changes, the government seeks to extend the maximum working hours to 10 hours a day and the maximum overtime to 12 hours a day. It also seeks to increase the overtime limit from 50 to 144 hours in three months, according to a Deccan Herald report.The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has decided to raise the maximum working hours from nine to 10 per day as part of ease of doing business and attracting investors.The Information and Public Relations (I&PR) Minister K Parthasarathy said that it has been decided to amend labour laws to make them 'favourable' to workers and investors.According to the I&PR Minister, women were not allowed to work in the night shifts earlier but now they can work with safeguards such as consent, transport facility, security and surveillance.He said the workplace of women during night shifts should be fully illuminated."When you work extra, income will increase. By these rules women can work in the formal sector. They empower women economically and promote gender inclusion and industrial growth. Also contribute to women's empowerment," he said.Meanwhile, K Ramakrishna, State Secretary of CPI, opposed the NDA alliance government's stand on labour laws amendments. He alleged that the Central and state governments are working against the interests of workers.Several trade unions on Wednesday strongly opposed the Karnataka government's alleged move to extend daily working hours in certain sectors, including IT.The state Labour Department on Wednesday convened a meeting with the industry representatives and trade union leaders to discuss a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, which reportedly seeks to increase the daily working hours to twelve.Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) said it opposed the proposal, calling it a form of "modern-day slavery".It appealed to all employees across the sector to unite and resist the proposed changes, which it claims would gravely impact work-life balance and job security.KITU said its leaders Suhas Adiga and Lenil Babu were among those present in the meeting.Noting that the law permitted a maximum of 10 working hours per day including overtime, KITU alleged that the proposed amendment would legalise 12-hour shifts and facilitate a two-shift system, potentially eliminating one-third of the workforce.KITU charged that this move prioritises corporate profits over employee welfare and undermines workers' fundamental rights.'The government is attempting to normalise inhuman conditions. This amendment is not about productivity—it's about pleasing corporate bosses by turning human beings into machines,' Adiga alleged.KITU cited alarming mental health statistics, and said the 'State Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024,' found that 90 per cent of corporate employees under 25 suffer from anxiety.