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IT/ITeS employees in Karnataka have protested against the state government's proposed extension of working hours. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) led the demonstration in Bengaluru's Freedom Park on 3 August, expressing strong opposition to the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961.
With the proposed modification, IT/ITeS employees would be able to work up to 12 hours a day, including a 3-hour overtime window. This has sparked widespread criticism from employees and labour unions, who argue that it would adversely impact the work-life balance of IT professionals. In response to the protest, the Additional Commissioner of the Labour Department, Manjunath G, assured the protestors that the government would consider their demands. The union has submitted documents outlining their objections to the proposed bill.
The union has submitted documents outlining their objections to the proposed bill.
As one IT employee union worker displayed their banner, there was a fight at the location. To defuse the situation, police who were on the scene escorted three workers out of the protest area. The bill is essential for the state since 8,785 IT/BT companies in Karnataka employ close to 18 lakh IT experts. With more than 50 lakh professionals working in the tech sector nationwide, Karnataka alone likely employs a disproportionate 40% of the industry's workforce. Additionally, just before Karnataka was scheduled to launch the nation's first Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy, action was taken. By 2030, Karnataka hopes to accommodate almost 15% of the GCCs of the top 2,000 global corporations, creating more than a million jobs. A GCC is a specific offshore division a foreign corporation establishes to source information technology and other associated business services.
The IT industry in Karnataka, a major economic driver for the state, is facing growing concerns about employee well-being and burnout due to the demanding nature of the work. The suggested extension of working hours is viewed as a negative step that could put IT workers under more stress and cause health problems.
Strong opposition from several labour unions.
The proposed change to lengthen working hours in Karnataka's IT sector has been met with strong opposition from several labour unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) and the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES). The unions have expressed apprehension regarding the possible adverse effects on workers' psychological and physiological well-being, cautioning that extended work hours may result in heightened exhaustion and reduced output. Concerns have also been raised that the change would lead to job losses because businesses might hire fewer people to comply with the increased hour requirements. The government's response to these issues will be critical in defining the future of labour standards in the state's tech sector and preserving Karnataka's standing as a top destination for IT workers, given the industry's significant economic contribution to the state.
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