The Karnataka government once again gets criticized with their new bill of working 14 plus hours a day for IT employees. The government has presented an amendment of Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, intending to increase working hours of IT employees up to 12 hours a day. The move has resulted in backlash by several IT employee unions, pointing out the upon hazardous effects on health and work-life balance.
The amendment was proposed during meeting organized by the state Labour Department, chaired by Labour Minister Santhosh Lad on Friday, July 19, with several stakeholders of the industry, including head of IT employee’s union and numerous workforce members.
What is the Bill about?
The recommended amendment states that “An employee working in the IT, ITES and BPO sectors may be required or allowed to work for more than 12 hours in a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months.” Contrary to this prevailing act only permits a maximum of 10 hours work per day, counting overtime.
Response of Effected
The Karnataka State IT /ITES /BPO Employees Union (KITU) recommended Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to rethink about the proposed plan of 14-hour work day for IT, ITES and BPO sectors.
Sooraj Nidiyanga, representative of the Karnataka State Employees Union (KITU) reasoned that there is no limit to maximum working hours of an employee for a day. Conversing with TNM he said, “Although there is a maximum limit of 125 extra hours over three months, the companies can demand from employees to work for as many hours number of hours even exceeding 12 hours in a day. They can do this for a week, or even a month, it’s should just not exceed 125 hours in three months.”
Fear of losing jobs
This amendment can also result in many losing their jobs as currently there is a three-shift system, every shift of eight-hour duration, but with this upcoming 12-hour shift, employees on one shift can become liability for the companies and can result in their removal.
In another statement, the KITU said, “The new proposal attacks the fundamental rights of a worker, and it will take away their personal time. The Karnataka government, in its hunger to please its corporate bosses, are ignoring the fundamental right of any individual, the right to live.”
Government’s Stance
Giving clarification to the baffling circumstances Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, clarifying the government’s stance to reporters said “It is not the Karnataka government’s suggestion to increase the number of working hours. The chiefs of corporate companies and many top IT companies come up to us to make this amendment into an existing labour law. As it has sparked a debate everywhere, the corporate employers and employees must first internally discuss this, and the government deiced and will go according to the people’s interests.”
KITU has called out for all the employees to fight against this inhuman bill as the IT employees are not slave to the company and they demand justice. While warning the government about the repercussion of this act being passed, KITU mentioned they will be challenging the 20 lakhs plus IT employees just to please the moneymakers.
About the Author
Shruti Sharma, who is passionate about news reading and writing, graduated in English Honours from Punjab University. Her academic background has equipped her with a deep understanding of language and literature.
