Karnataka Mulls 12-Hour Workday; Unions Protest

The Karnataka government is considering amending labor laws to allow 12-hour workdays in some sectors, sparking outrage from employee unions. This move, aimed at boosting productivity, has been met with strong opposition, with critics arguing it will negatively impact work-life balance and potentially lead to job losses.

The proposal has ignited a debate about labor rights and corporate expectations in the state's thriving IT sector. The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, seeks to increase daily working hours from the current nine to ten, with a maximum of 12 hours including overtime.

This has raised concerns about the well-being of employees and the potential for exploitation. The state Labour Department convened a meeting with industry representatives and trade union leaders to discuss the proposed changes, but unions remain staunchly opposed..

Highlights

• Karnataka is considering extending workdays to 12 hours for sectors like IT, sparking debate.
• Trade unions strongly oppose the move, citing concerns about work-life balance and potential job losses.
• The proposed changes follow similar amendments in other states and align with broader discussions on work hours.

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Top 5 Key Insights

• Increased Daily Work Hours: The Karnataka government is proposing to increase daily working hours to 10, with a maximum of 12 hours including overtime, through amendments to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961. This change aims to simplify procedures and boost productivity, particularly in the IT sector.

• Union Opposition: Trade unions are strongly opposing the proposed amendment, arguing that it will negatively impact work-life balance, potentially lead to job losses, and undermine workers' fundamental rights. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has called the proposal a form of "modern-day slavery."

• National Context: The Karnataka government's move follows directions from the Union government to consider amending working hour limits. Several other states, including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have already passed similar legislations.

• Potential Benefits for Companies: If the amendment comes into force, companies in the information technology sector are likely to benefit the most, as they will have the flexibility to operate with longer working hours. However, this could also lead to increased pressure on employees to work longer hours.

• Impact on Job Security: KITU alleges that the proposed amendment would legalize 12-hour shifts and facilitate a two-shift system, potentially eliminating one-third of the workforce. This concern highlights the potential for the changes to negatively impact job security for many IT professionals in the state.

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Expert Insights

Suhas Adiga, KITU Leader: "The government is attempting to normalise inhuman conditions. This amendment is not about productivity—it's about pleasing corporate bosses by turning human beings into machines."

Narayana Murthy, Infosys Co-founder: (Referring to his earlier 70-hour work week remark) "There's nobody who can say you should do this, you should not do it. These are issues that one can introspect on, one can ingest, and one can come to some conclusion on and do whatever they want."

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Wrap Up

The debate surrounding Karnataka's proposed 12-hour workday reflects a larger conversation about balancing productivity with employee well-being. While proponents argue that longer hours can boost economic growth, critics worry about the potential for exploitation and the erosion of work-life balance.

The outcome of this proposal could set a precedent for other states and significantly impact India's IT and corporate landscape.

Author

Priya Sharma - A certified lifestyle coach and career development expert based in Bangalore, India. She provides practical advice on personal growth, productivity, and career navigation relevant to the Indian context for Enlightnr.