12-hour shifts for Bengaluru techies? Karnataka govt’s proposal sparks outrage among IT unions, who call it ‘modern-day slavery’ | Bengaluru News
NEW DELHI: The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has called on workers across sectors to resist the state government’s proposed move to increase daily working hours in the IT, ITeS, and BPO sectors to 12 hours. Several trade unions on Wednesday voiced strong opposition to the alleged proposal during a meeting convened by the Labour Department to discuss a possible amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act. The amendment reportedly seeks to increase the daily work limit from the current maximum of 10 hours, including overtime, to 12 hours. KITU, which participated in the meeting, described the proposal as a form of “modern-day slavery” and appealed to employees to unite in opposition.
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It warned that the change would severely impact work-life balance and job security. KITU leaders Suhas Adiga and Lenil Babu were among those who attended the meeting with industry representatives and labour officials. Noting that the law currently allows up to 10 working hours per day including overtime, KITU alleged that the amendment would “legalise 12-hour shifts and facilitate a two-shift system, potentially eliminating one-third of the workforce.” The union also claimed that the move prioritises corporate profits over employee welfare. “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,” said Suhas Adiga. KITU also cited mental health concerns, pointing to the findings of the State Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024, which stated that 90 per cent of corporate employees under 25 suffer from anxiety. The union reiterated its stance that the proposed change undermines workers’ fundamental rights and vowed to continue resisting it.
