After planning to introduce the Kannadiga Reservation Rule across all working sectors in the state, the government is now considering extending the working hours of the IT/ITES/BPO sector, making it a nightmare for employees.
According to the proposal, employees in the above-mentioned sectors may be required to work more than 12 hours a day, with the possibility of extending up to 14 hours. Currently, the average working time for employees is approximately 10 hours per day.
To implement this change, amendments need to be made to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961.
The new rule also states that an employee’s working hours should not exceed 125 hours over three consecutive months.
The state’s Minister of Labour stated that, at present, the rule is only a proposal and discussions are still ongoing. He mentioned that no final decision has been made yet.
However, trade unions are opposing this rule. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) argued that it would affect 20 lakh IT/ITeS employees in Karnataka and urged the government to reconsider the decision.
KITU also described the new amendment as inhumane and encouraged employees to voice their opposition. A representative of KITU noted that there is no limit on the average working hours of an employee.
Currently, labor rules state that employees’ working hours should not exceed 48 hours per week. KITU argues that extending working hours will increase mental and physical stress among employees.
They have spoken to the Minister of Labour, who assured them that any decision will be made considering the demands and without causing difficulties for employees.
