In what appears to be a regressive step, IT firms in Karnataka have put forth a controversial proposal to the Congress-led state government, urging a drastic extension of the working hours to 14 hours per day. This proposal was introduced during a meeting convened by the Labour Department with various stakeholders. Media reports suggest that the state government is considering implementing these changes, which would push tech employees to work up to 14 hours daily and 70 hours weekly. This proposed increase in working hours has sparked a wave of criticism and strong opposition from employees and IT unions, who have condemned the plan as “inhuman.”

Moreover, there are plans to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, with IT firms lobbying to have their extended hours included in this amendment. They propose legalizing a workday that would consist of 12 regular working hours plus 2 hours of overtime.

Under the current labor laws, a working day is capped at 9 hours, with only one additional hour permitted for overtime. The proposal from these IT firms not only challenges the existing legal framework but also raises serious concerns about the welfare and rights of workers. By considering such a radical change, the state government risks prioritizing corporate profit over the health and well-being of its workforce, showcasing a disturbing detachment from the realities of labor rights and human decency.

The latest proposal tabled by IT companies in Karnataka suggests a radical shift in working conditions. The document explicitly states, "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". This proposal, if enacted, would redefine the professional landscape, pushing the limits of work hours dramatically.

Reports with insider insights reveal that the Siddaramaiah-led government has already initiated discussions on this controversial matter, with promises of further deliberation and decisions anticipated shortly. Moreover, it is expected that the Cabinet will also weigh in on this proposal in the near future.

This move by the state government to even consider such a proposal speaks volumes about their current stance on labor rights. It raises serious concerns about the government's commitment to the welfare of its workers. By allowing such extreme work conditions to potentially become law, the government appears to be sidestepping essential labor rights in favor of corporate benefits. This inclination towards enhancing corporate productivity at the expense of employee health and well-being is alarming and could set a dangerous precedent not only in Karnataka but potentially influence labor policies nationwide.

The proposal faces strong opposition

Amidst the heated debate over proposed labor law changes in Karnataka, the opposition has been vociferous and widespread. Employees and IT firms have united in their condemnation of the proposed changes, describing them as "inhuman". They cite serious concerns over health implications and the potential for mass layoffs as reasons for the Siddaramaiah government to reject the proposal outright.

The opposition is further solidified by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), which has been particularly vocal. KITU has characterized the proposal as "an attempt to impose slavery" on the workforce. In response, the union has mobilized IT/ITeS sector employees, calling for collective resistance against the government's attempt to extend working hours to an exhaustive 14 hours per day in the IT/ITES/BPO sector.

In a pointed statement, KITU articulated its concerns about the proposed "Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024," which it claims would normalize a 14-hour workday. "The existing act only allows a maximum of 10 hours of work per day including overtime, which has been completely lifted in the current amendment. It will facilitate the IT/ITES companies to extend the daily hours of work indefinitely." This change, according to the union, represents a severe erosion of workers' rights and protections.

KITU also warns of drastic economic repercussions, predicting that the proposal could result in the layoff of nearly one-third of the workforce. This reduction would stem from a structural shift in work schedules, moving from the current three-shift system to a more condensed two-shift system. Such a change would not only increase work hours but also significantly reduce job opportunities, affecting the livelihoods of thousands. According to KITU, this represents "the biggest-ever attack on the working class in this era," signaling a potential crisis in the sector if the amendment is passed.

The union's statement highlighted a significant shift that could lead to widespread job losses: "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 of their employment." This stark warning underscores the potential human cost of these changes, painting a picture of a workforce dramatically reduced by legislative action.

Further complicating the issue, KITU referenced various studies highlighting the detrimental effects of extended work hours on employee health. The statement pointedly noted, "As per the report of KCCI, 45% of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression and 55% facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation." This data underscores the dire health implications that could result from the proposed increase in work hours, suggesting a future where employees are at greater risk for both mental and physical health problems.

KITU's criticism extended beyond employment and health concerns, directly addressing the perceived insensitivity of the state government's approach. The union condemned the government's treatment of workers, arguing that it reduces individuals to mere components of production. "It also slammed the state government for treating them as 'mere machines' rather than as human beings."

The union's statement concluded with a poignant critique of the government's priorities: "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."