After Andhra Pradesh, Now Karnataka Proposes Extending IT Sector Workday to 12 Hours; Employees Union Condemns

The Karnataka government is currently deliberating an amendment to the existing labour regulations governing the IT, IT-enabled services (ITES) and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors. The proposed change seeks to extend the permissible working hours from the current maximum of 10 hours, inclusive of overtime, to a rigorous 12-hour workday.

This move, aimed at restructuring operational efficiencies within the sector, has sparked considerable controversy and opposition, particularly from the Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union. On Wednesday, the state's labour department engaged in consultations with key industry stakeholders to explore the implications and feasibility of this amendment.

"This amendment shows that the Government of Karnataka is unwilling to recognise workers as human beings who require personal and social lives to survive. Instead, it views them merely as machines to increase the profits of the corporates it serves," stated the Karnataka State IT/ITES employees union.

Karnataka Working Hours Extension: Impact on Workforce

The proposed amendment would allow companies to adopt a two-shift system instead of three, potentially leading to job losses for one-third of the workforce. The union expressed concerns about this outcome, highlighting the potential negative impact on employment levels within the sector.

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Globally, there is growing recognition that longer working hours can harm productivity. Many countries are now enacting laws that acknowledge employees' right to disconnect as a fundamental right. The union argues that Karnataka's proposal contradicts these global trends and could have adverse effects on workers' well-being.

The labour union emphasised that this move disregards workers' need for personal and social lives, treating them like machines for corporate profit. They argue that such changes could undermine workers' quality of life and overall job satisfaction.

The discussion around extending working hours comes at a time when remote work and flexible schedules are gaining traction worldwide. As more organisations embrace these models, there is an increasing focus on balancing work demands with personal life needs.

Andhra Pradesh Working Hour Extension to 10-hours a day

Few days back, the Andhra Pradesh government has also announced its decision to increase the maximum number of working hours per day from nine to ten. Minister Parthasarathy explained that the recent amendment to labour regulations has revised Section 54 of the existing laws, increasing the maximum allowable working hours per day from nine to ten.