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New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Karnataka drops move to extend IT work hours
BENGALURU: The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) on Tuesday stated that in a victory for IT sector employees, the state government has withdrawn its proposal to extend working hours in the IT/ITeS industry, following intense opposition by the union. The proposed Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at increasing working hours under the 1961 Act, was contested by KITU during a stakeholder meeting on June 18. The union had termed the move a violation of workers' right to personal time and warned it would not allow such changes under any circumstances. Over the past six weeks, KITU organised widespread protests in IT parks, on public roads, and outside company offices across Bengaluru. The sustained campaign pressured the government to back down. Additional Labour Commissioner G Manjunath conveyed the withdrawal of the proposal to KITU office bearers in a meeting on Tuesday. 'This is a historic moment. It proves that when workers unite, even powerful attempts to dilute labour protections can be defeated,' the union said in a statement.
Hindustan Times
29-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
No 12-hour shifts? Karnataka drops plan to extend IT work hours after protests from unions
The Karnataka government has withdrawn its proposal to extend daily working hours in the IT and ITeS sector following sustained opposition from employee unions. Labour Minister Santosh Lad's office also confirmed that the government has decided not to go ahead with the proposed change.(X/@kitu_hq) The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), which has been actively protesting the move for over six weeks, confirmed the development on Tuesday. According to KITU, the decision was communicated by Additional Labour Commissioner G Manjunath during a meeting with union office bearers. (Also Read: 'ORR on Wednesdays, CBD on Tuesdays': Bengaluru man breaks down city's weekly traffic madness) Labour Minister Santosh Lad's office also confirmed that the government has decided not to go ahead with the proposed change, news agency PTI reported. The now-dropped amendment, part of the proposed 'Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2025', sought to revise the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961. If implemented, it would have increased daily working hours beyond the current limits. KITU had argued that the legal maximum of 10 hours per day (including overtime) was being stretched to justify 12-hour shifts. They warned that such a change would pave the way for a two-shift system, potentially cutting the workforce by one-third. Calling it a victory for IT employees across the state, KITU general secretary Suhas Adiga said, 'This relentless struggle compelled the Karnataka government to retreat from its attempt to extend working hours in the sector.' The Bill was earlier presented at a stakeholder consultation meeting convened by the Labour Department on June 18, where KITU had strongly opposed the move, calling it an attack on the fundamental right to personal life. KITU is a registered union that represents IT sector employees in Karnataka and has consistently raised concerns about labour reforms that affect employee rights and work-life balance. (With agency inputs) (Also Read: B Dayananda won't return as Bengaluru Police Commissioner, says G Parameshwara)
