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The Indian Information Technology (IT) sector is facing a potential upheaval as firms in Karnataka have submitted a proposal to the state government seeking an extension of employee working hours to a staggering 14 hours per day. This move, reminiscent of the controversial suggestion by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy last year for youngsters to work 70 hours a week, has sparked widespread debate and opposition from employee unions and concerns about the potential impact on worker well-being.
The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, would legally allow IT companies to extend work hours to 14 hours, comprising 12 hours of regular work and 2 hours of overtime. While the current law permits a maximum of 12 hours (10 hours + 2 hours overtime), the new proposal argues that employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or permitted to exceed this limit, but not exceeding 125 hours over a three-month period. The Karnataka government has initiated discussions on the matter, with further decisions pending.
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has vehemently opposed the proposal, raising concerns about job losses and the detrimental impact on employee health. The union argues that a shift to a two-shift system, as proposed by the IT firms, would result in one-third of the workforce being laid off. This concern stems from the belief that a two-shift system, unlike the existing three-shift system, would necessitate a reduction in overall staff due to the compressed work hours.
Furthermore, KITU points to existing studies highlighting the negative health consequences of extended working hours among IT employees. Reports from the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) indicate that 45% of employees in the sector are grappling with mental health issues such as depression, and 55% face physical health impacts. KITU contends that increasing working hours would exacerbate these pre-existing health concerns, potentially leading to a decline in employee well-being and productivity.
The union's statement goes on to criticize the government's apparent disregard for employee welfare, portraying the proposal as a move that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of workers. The statement highlights the importance of recognizing employees as individuals with personal and social lives, emphasizing that the current proposal fails to acknowledge this fundamental human need.
This debate is rooted in a broader discussion on work culture and productivity in India. Narayana Murthy's suggestion last year to work 70 hours a week, while intended to promote a more dedicated work ethic, drew criticism for its potential to create a stressful and unsustainable work environment. The current proposal for extended work hours in Karnataka appears to echo this sentiment, raising concerns about a potential shift towards a culture that prioritizes long working hours at the expense of employee well-being.
Source: Bengaluru IT sector to go for 14-hour workday? Karnataka govt gets proposal, employees fume