Karnataka Raising IT Working Hours From 10 To 14: Unions Say “Inhuman”

After being slammed for the reservation bill,  the Karnataka government is set to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act (KSCEA), to increase the working hours of IT employees from 10 to 14 hours a day, leading to opposition from IT unions. 

The existing limit is 10 hours per day, including overtime.

IT unions have publically protested, calling it 'inhuman' and warning of implications for 2 million workers in the state.

"It will facilitate the IT/ITES companies to extend the daily hours of work indefinitely. This amendment will allow the companies to go for a two shift system instead of the currently existing three shift system and one-third of the workforce will be thrown out from their employment,” said Suhas Adiga, general secretary of Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU).

Adiga added, “During the meeting, KITU pointed out the studies on the health impact of extended working hours among the IT employees," 

According to a KCCI report, 45% of IT sector employees are experiencing mental health issues such as depression, and 55% are facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will worsen this situation, with a WHO-ILO study indicating significantly higher risks of stroke and heart disease with longer working hours.

The Karnataka government recently faced criticism for requiring companies in the IT hub to prioritize local hires for 70% of non-management roles and 50% of management-level jobs. The government has currently put the bill on hold.

Online users are condemning the Karnataka government for being unempathetic about workers.

Social Media Reaction:

One user wrote, "Why is Govt so interested in working hours of Private Employees? Let the private companies decide."

Another user commented, "Resist at any cost."

A third user replied, "Is Narayan Murthy sir suggesting govt ??"

A fourth user wrote, "So by increasing work hours, will my salary also increase? Because only if my salary increases, will my taxes increase and thus benefitting the state."