Karnataka IT Firms Push for 14-Hour Workday Amidst Employee Protests

Introduction

In a controversial move, IT firms in Karnataka have proposed extending working hours to 14 hours a day, sparking significant backlash from employees. This proposal, aimed at amending the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, has raised serious concerns over worker rights, health, and job security.

Background of the Proposal

1. Proposal Details
   • Karnataka IT companies seek to amend the existing law to extend working hours from 12 to 14 hours, including two hours of overtime. This proposal aims to enhance productivity and align with global standards.
2. Current Regulations
   • Presently, labor laws allow a maximum of 12 hours of work per day, combining regular hours and overtime. The proposed change would extend this limit, potentially affecting thousands of workers in the IT sector.

Employee Opposition and Concerns

1. Union’s Strong Resistance
   • The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has vocally opposed the proposal. The union’s statement highlighted fears of mass layoffs and the degradation of work-life balance.
   • The union warns that reducing shifts from three to two will result in one-third of the workforce being displaced.
2. Health Impacts
   • Studies cited by the union reveal alarming health statistics among IT employees:
     • 45% suffer from mental health issues, including depression.
     • 55% experience significant physical health problems.
   • The union argues that extending work hours will exacerbate these health issues, increasing stress and reducing overall well-being.

Government’s Position and Next Steps

1. Initial Government Response
   • The Karnataka government has convened an initial meeting to discuss the proposal. No final decisions have been made yet, but the matter is expected to be debated further in the Cabinet.
2. Economic Justification
   • Proponents argue that extending working hours will boost productivity and competitiveness. They believe the change will help IT firms meet global demands and reduce costs.

Union’s Appeal to the Government

1. Humanity Over Profit
   • The union’s statement criticizes the government’s stance, suggesting it views employees as mere tools for profit rather than human beings with rights to personal and social life.
   • The union urges the Siddaramaiah government to reject the proposal, emphasizing the need for humane working conditions.
2. Call for Reconsideration
   • “This amendment shows that the government of Karnataka is not ready to consider workers as human beings who need personal and social life to survive. Instead, it considers them as only a machinery to increase the profit of the corporates whom it serves,” the statement read.

Conclusion

The proposed extension of working hours in Karnataka’s IT sector continues to be a contentious issue. As the government deliberates on the proposal, the debate between enhancing productivity and protecting worker rights intensifies. Both sides present compelling arguments, but the ultimate decision will significantly impact the future of Karnataka’s IT workforce.

For Further Reading:

• Essential Insights on Karnataka’s IT Workforce and Labor Laws
• Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio