Karnataka: 14-Hour Shift for IT Workers Likely As Government Considers Proposal To Extend Working Hours, IT/ITeS Employees Union Calls Move ‘Attempt To Impose Slavery’
The Karnataka government is reportedly considering extending IT employees' work hours from 10 to 14 per day, which is opposed by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), citing it as inhuman and harmful to worker's well-being.
New Delhi, July 21: The Karnataka government is reportedly considering extending the working hours for IT employees from the current 10 hours to 14 hours per day. The proposal has caused considerable disagreement, with IT unions such as the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) calling the proposal inhuman. The union argues that it will negatively impact the well-being of IT employees. The suggested Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Amendment Bill 2024 likely to set a 14-hour workday, which might affect around two million IT workers in the state.
As per a report of ABP Live, the Karnataka government is now considering extending the working hours of IT employees from the current 10 hours to 14 hours per day. However, this suggestion has been met with strong opposition from KITU, which has labeled the step as inhuman and potentially harmful to the health and morale of IT workers. Job Creation in India: Indian Manufacturing Sector Booming, Creating More Job Opportunities Than Ever, Says Report.
Reports also suggest that the idea to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act to allow a 14-hour workday was talked in a meeting organised by the labour department with business representatives. Members of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) have already spoken with Labour Minister Santosh Lad to express their worries about this issue. PM Narendra Modi Says India’s Job Market on Rise, Major Players See Country Becoming Superpower As Nation Soon To Be 3rd Largest Economy.
The Amendment will likely let companies switch from a three-shift system to a two-shift system, which may lead to one-third of the workers losing their jobs. In the meeting, KITU also highlighted research on how longer working hours affect the health of IT employees. As per reports, Suhas Adiga, general secretary of KITU said, "KITU calls upon all the IT/ITeS sector employees to unify and come forward to resist this inhuman attempt to impose slavery on us." The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union has asked the government to rethink its decision, citing that it could affect two million workers in the IT/ITeS sector in Karnataka. In response, the Labour Minister reportedly has agreed to have more talks before before coming to a conclusion.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2024 10:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).