The Karnataka government appears to be once again in the crosshairs after reportedly proposing an amendment to extend the workday for IT employees from 10 to 12-plus hours. This move comes on the heels of widespread criticism over the state’s job reservation bill.
The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act has sparked outrage among IT sector unions, who argue that the extended hours will severely impact the mental and physical health of employees.The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has vehemently opposed the bill, claiming it will lead to job losses and exacerbate existing health issues among IT workers.
What is the “planned proposal”
As per the new proposal, “an employee working in IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work for more than 12 hours in a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months.”
What KITU says
Suhas Adiga, general secretary of KITU, told Business Standard, “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. During the meeting, KITU pointed out the studies on the health impact of extended working hours among the IT employees.”
According to KITU, the proposed change will allow companies to operate with a two-shift system instead of the current three-shift model, resulting in layoffs for one-third of the workforce. The union cited studies highlighting the correlation between extended working hours and increased risks of stroke, heart disease, and depression.
Despite facing intense opposition, the labor minister has agreed to hold further discussions before making a final decision. The government’s decision will likely have far-reaching implications for the state’s IT industry and the well-being of its workforce.
The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act has sparked outrage among IT sector unions, who argue that the extended hours will severely impact the mental and physical health of employees.The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has vehemently opposed the bill, claiming it will lead to job losses and exacerbate existing health issues among IT workers.
What is the “planned proposal”
As per the new proposal, “an employee working in IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work for more than 12 hours in a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months.”
What KITU says
Suhas Adiga, general secretary of KITU, told Business Standard, “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. During the meeting, KITU pointed out the studies on the health impact of extended working hours among the IT employees.”
According to KITU, the proposed change will allow companies to operate with a two-shift system instead of the current three-shift model, resulting in layoffs for one-third of the workforce. The union cited studies highlighting the correlation between extended working hours and increased risks of stroke, heart disease, and depression.
Despite facing intense opposition, the labor minister has agreed to hold further discussions before making a final decision. The government’s decision will likely have far-reaching implications for the state’s IT industry and the well-being of its workforce.