IT companies in Karnataka seek 14-hour shifts, sparks employee outrage

IT firms in Karnataka have submitted a proposal to the state government, demanding an extension of employee working hours to 14 hours per day. This proposal has sparked intense opposition from employees, who have labelled it as inhuman and have raised concerns about health issues and potential layoffs.

Sources indicate that the state government is contemplating amending the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, to accommodate the IT companies' request. The proposed amendment would legally extend work hours to 14 hours, including 2 hours of overtime. Currently, labour laws permit a 9-hour workday with an additional hour allowed as overtime.

IT sector's proposal

The IT sector's new proposal specifies, "employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months." The government has had an initial meeting regarding this matter, and further decisions are expected soon. The proposal is anticipated to be discussed by the Cabinet.

Strong employee resistance

The proposal has met with strong resistance from the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU). The union warned that the amendment could lead to a reduction in the number of shifts, potentially resulting in one-third of the workforce losing their jobs.
"This amendment will allow the companies to implement a two-shift system instead of the existing three-shift system, leading to significant job losses," KITU stated.

Health concerns

KITU also highlighted studies on the health impact of extended working hours among IT employees. "According to the KCCI report, 45% of employees in the IT sector face mental health issues such as depression, and 55% suffer from physical health problems. Increasing working hours will exacerbate these issues," the union said.

The employees' union criticised the state government's approach, accusing it of treating employees as machines rather than human beings. They urged the Siddaramaiah government to reconsider and reject the IT firms' demands.
"This amendment indicates that the government of Karnataka prioritises corporate profits over the well-being of workers, who need personal and social life to survive," KITU added in their statement.