“Karnataka’s 12-Hour Workday Proposal Sparks Outrage Among IT Workers and Unions”

The Karnataka government’s proposal to revise current labour laws and extend working hours in the IT, ITeS, and BPO sectors to 12 hours per day has sparked intense backlash from employee unions and ignited widespread debate across social media platforms.

During a recent meeting convened by the state’s Labour Department with industry representatives and trade unions, discussions were held to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act. The current legislation caps working hours at 10 per day, including overtime. The suggested amendment would allow a longer daily work schedule.

However, the Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union (KITU) has vehemently opposed the move, condemning it as a “form of modern-day slavery.” The union accused the government of siding with corporate interests at the expense of worker welfare. KITU also cautioned that introducing 12-hour shifts could dismantle the existing three-shift structure, replacing it with just two shifts — a move that could eliminate up to one-third of the workforce.

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