The labour department in Karnataka is proposing an amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act. The proposed amendment aims to allow employees of information technology (IT) companies and information technology-enabled services (ITeS) companies in Karnataka to work for 14 hours a day.
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union has raised concerns about this proposal, as it would mean that employees in the IT/ITeS sector could end up working 70 hours a week if the amendment is implemented. This could have negative implications for Bengaluru, which is a major hub for IT in India.
Currently, the Act allows for a maximum of ten hours of work per day, including overtime. The Union is worried that if the amendment is passed, IT companies may switch to two shifts per day instead of the three-shift system currently in place, potentially leading to job losses for a significant portion of the workforce.
The proposed amendment overlooks the growing prevalence of mental health issues among employees. Workers’ health is already being affected, and this amendment could exacerbate their health problems.
Moreover, the timing of this proposal seems inappropriate. Internationally, countries are exploring the concept of a four-day work week, as organizations are recognizing the benefits of reduced work hours. Many employers have acknowledged that shorter work hours have boosted productivity and resulted in a happier and more engaged workforce.
