Several Information Technology firms have reportedly asked the Karnataka state government to allow them to have their employees work up to 14 hours a day.
The IT Employees Union has said that the state government is contemplating obliging the firms’ demand by increasing the working hours in their sector and is mulling over the ‘Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Bill 2024.’
They further apprehended the reduction in the number of total employees if a two-shift system is implemented instead of three. IT employees also fear the effects on their physical and mental health if such long hours are indeed imposed.
As per the union, there are currently 20 lakh employees working in IT and IT-enabled services.
While the government has yet to respond officially to the IT firms’ proposal, reports suggest that amending the law is being considered.
However, Nasscom clarified that they did not seek any changes to the current allowance of a maximum of 48 hours of work per week.