IT Employees Protest 14-Hour Workday Proposal in Bengaluru
IT Employees Protest 14-Hour Workday Proposal in Bengaluru
Rally Against Proposed Amendment Bill by Karnataka Government
IT employees in Bengaluru are rallying against the Karnataka government’s proposed Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, which aims to increase the working hours of IT employees to 14 hours a day. The protest, organized by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), is set to take place at Freedom Park on Saturday.
The demonstration follows a two-week campaign by KITU, including gate campaigns at IT parks and street demonstrations, to raise awareness and gather support against the proposed amendment. KITU General Secretary stated that over 300 workers from the IT, ITeS, and BPO sectors are expected to join the protest at 2 pm.
Describing the proposal as “inhuman,” the General Secretary argued that it undermines basic employee rights and could lead to significant job losses. “This amendment will shift companies to a two-shift system from the current three-shift one, potentially displacing one-third of the workforce,” he explained.
He also cited studies from the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization, warning that longer working hours could increase the risk of death by stroke by 35 percent and from ischemic heart disease by 17 percent.
Karnataka Labour Minister acknowledged that the government is under pressure from industries to approve the proposal, highlighting the tension between industry demands and employee welfare.
The protest at Freedom Park represents a significant moment for the IT workforce in Karnataka, emphasizing their demand for fair working conditions and the protection of their rights.
