The Karnataka government is considering a controversial proposal that could significantly impact IT employees across the state.
The new amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act suggests extending the workday to 14 hours, amounting to a total of 70 hours per week.
This potential policy shift is aimed at addressing demands from the IT sector for greater operational flexibility.
Current Labor Laws and Proposed Changes
Under existing regulations, Karnataka’s labor laws permit a maximum of 10 hours of work per day, including overtime.
The proposed amendment would allow up to 12 hours of regular work plus 2 hours of overtime, effectively normalizing a 14-hour workday.
This change has sparked substantial debate and opposition from labor unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU).
Health Concerns and Union Opposition
KITU has voiced strong objections to the proposed extension, citing significant health risks associated with longer work hours.
Research links extended working hours with increased risks of mental health issues, such as depression, and serious physical ailments, including stroke and heart disease.
The union argues that the proposal could exacerbate these problems and lead to job losses as companies might shift from a three-shift to a two-shift system.
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Industry Response
In contrast, industry representatives, including the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), have stated that they did not advocate for such extreme changes.
Instead, they support maintaining a standard 48-hour workweek with some flexibility to align operations across different states.
Ongoing Discussions
The Karnataka government has not yet finalized its position on the proposed amendment.
Further discussions with stakeholders are expected to continue, as the government weighs the potential impacts of this contentious proposal on both employees and the IT industry.
Conclusion
The proposed extension of work hours in Karnataka raises critical questions about worker health and industry needs.
As the debate unfolds, the outcome will have significant implications for IT employees and the broader tech sector in the region.
