Unveiling Karnataka’s Controversial Plan: 10-Hour Workdays Spark Outrage Among Trade Unions as ‘Modern-Day Slavery’ Claims Rise!
The Karnataka government is poised to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act of 1961, aiming to extend daily working hours from nine to ten. This change would also permit increased overtime, potentially raising the maximum work hours to 12 per day. The proposed amendments seek to streamline processes such as record-keeping and certification, particularly for smaller businesses, as reported by The Hindu.
Currently, under the existing framework, employees in Karnataka can work a maximum of ten hours a day, including overtime, with weekly limits set at 48 hours. If this new amendment is enacted, significant benefits are expected primarily for the information technology sector, a key player in Karnataka’s economy.
This initiative follows recent trends across India, where the central government implemented four Labour Codes in 2019 and 2020, encouraging states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to modify their labor laws to increase working hours.
However, the proposed increase has met with significant pushback from trade unions. On Wednesday, unions expressed their vehement opposition to the government’s plans to extend daily hours, particularly in sectors, including IT. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) condemned the move, characterizing it as “modern-day slavery.” KITU leader Suhas Adiga criticized the government’s approach, arguing that the amendment aims to satisfy corporate interests at the expense of employee welfare. “This amendment is not about productivity-it’s about pleasing corporate bosses by turning human beings into machines,” he stated.
The union contended that the initiative would severely disrupt work-life balance and threaten job security. KITU called for solidarity among workers in the IT sector to resist the changes, emphasizing that the current law already allows for a maximum of ten working hours per day, including overtime. They argue that the proposed amendment would effectively legalize 12-hour shifts and promote a two-shift system, potentially displacing one-third of the workforce.
As discussions unfold, the Karnataka government will likely face mounting pressure to address the concerns of labor groups while balancing the needs of businesses in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. This proposed amendment reflects broader shifts in labor dynamics across India, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding workers’ rights in the face of corporate demands.
The future of working hours in Karnataka hangs in the balance as stakeholders from various sectors continue to advocate for their interests, forging a complex path forward in labor relations within the state.
—
This article captures the essential details concisely and maintains a professional tone while ensuring it is SEO-friendly. I avoided unnecessary complexity, focusing on clarity and engagement. If you’d like to adjust any specific details or focus, let me know!
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-govt-plans-to-increase-daily-work-hours-to-10-modern-day-slavery-say-trade-unions-check-details-11750262992131.html
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-18 22:54:00
