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Decision Makers:

  1. Dr. H N Gopalakrishna, IAS, Labour Commissioner

  2. Sri Santhosh S Lad, Hon'ble Labour Minister

  3. Siddaramaiah, CM of Karnataka


Demands:

1. Reject any amendments that extend working hours beyond the current limits of 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

2. Implement policies that prioritise employee health, well-being, and work-life balance, including regular assessments of working conditions in the IT/ITeS sector.

3. Facilitate open discussions with employee unions, industry representatives, and health experts to develop fair labour practices that respect workers' rights.

4. Ensure strict enforcement of existing labour laws and monitor compliance to protect employees from exploitation.


The Karnataka government is considering an amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act that would extend the maximum working hours from the current 10 hours (including 1 hour of overtime) to a staggering 14 hours per day (12 hours plus 2 hours of overtime). This change is not just a minor adjustment; it poses a significant risk to the health and welfare of employees, undermining the principles of fair labour practices.


Studies show that extended working hours significantly increase the risk of mental and physical health issues. Currently, 45% of IT employees suffer from mental health challenges, while 55% report physical health impacts due to excessive work hours. Allowing a 14-hour workday will only exacerbate these conditions, leading to severe consequences for employees' health and productivity.


Beyond health concerns, this amendment threatens to obliterate the work-life balance that is essential for personal well-being. Employees already struggle to manage their personal lives due to long working hours, and this proposal would further diminish their ability to engage with family and community. Moreover, the shift to longer working hours may lead to a reduction in the number of shifts offered by companies, potentially resulting in layoffs and job losses for many workers. 


Unions have warned that if companies move from three shifts to two, one-third of the workforce could be adversely affected.


This proposal contradicts international labour standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recommends a maximum of 9 hours of work per day. Ignoring these standards raises serious ethical and legal concerns.


We urge the Karnataka government to reject any amendments that extend working hours beyond the current limits of 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week. Instead, we call for the implementation of policies that prioritize employee health, well-being, and work-life balance. It is essential to facilitate open discussions with employee unions, industry representatives, and health experts to develop fair labor practices that respect workers' rights.


A healthy workforce is the backbone of a productive economy. It is only by prioritising the welfare of employees, that we can foster a more sustainable and prosperous IT/ITeS sector.


Sign this petition to reject the proposed 14-hour workday amendment and stand up for the rights and health of workers in Karnataka.


Sources:


  1. Analysis | Understanding Karnataka's Proposal For 14-Hour Workday

  2. 14-hour work day not our idea, IT industry exerting pressure: Karnataka labour minister

  3. Karnataka's 14-Hour Workday Proposal: The Burden on Women and Impact on Domestic Chores

Decision Makers:

  1. Dr. H N Gopalakrishna, IAS, Labour Commissioner

  2. Sri Santhosh S Lad, Hon'ble Labour Minister

  3. Siddaramaiah, CM of Karnataka


Demands:

1. Reject any amendments that extend working hours beyond the current limits of 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

2. Implement policies that prioritise employee health, well-being, and work-life balance, including regular assessments of working conditions in the IT/ITeS sector.

3. Facilitate open discussions with employee unions, industry representatives, and health experts to develop fair labour practices that respect workers' rights.

4. Ensure strict enforcement of existing labour laws and monitor compliance to protect employees from exploitation.


The Karnataka government is considering an amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act that would extend the maximum working hours from the current 10 hours (including 1 hour of overtime) to a staggering 14 hours per day (12 hours plus 2 hours of overtime). This change is not just a minor adjustment; it poses a significant risk to the health and welfare of employees, undermining the principles of fair labour practices.


Studies show that extended working hours significantly increase the risk of mental and physical health issues. Currently, 45% of IT employees suffer from mental health challenges, while 55% report physical health impacts due to excessive work hours. Allowing a 14-hour workday will only exacerbate these conditions, leading to severe consequences for employees' health and productivity.


Beyond health concerns, this amendment threatens to obliterate the work-life balance that is essential for personal well-being. Employees already struggle to manage their personal lives due to long working hours, and this proposal would further diminish their ability to engage with family and community. Moreover, the shift to longer working hours may lead to a reduction in the number of shifts offered by companies, potentially resulting in layoffs and job losses for many workers. 


Unions have warned that if companies move from three shifts to two, one-third of the workforce could be adversely affected.


This proposal contradicts international labour standards set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recommends a maximum of 9 hours of work per day. Ignoring these standards raises serious ethical and legal concerns.


We urge the Karnataka government to reject any amendments that extend working hours beyond the current limits of 9 hours per day and 48 hours per week. Instead, we call for the implementation of policies that prioritize employee health, well-being, and work-life balance. It is essential to facilitate open discussions with employee unions, industry representatives, and health experts to develop fair labor practices that respect workers' rights.


A healthy workforce is the backbone of a productive economy. It is only by prioritising the welfare of employees, that we can foster a more sustainable and prosperous IT/ITeS sector.


Sign this petition to reject the proposed 14-hour workday amendment and stand up for the rights and health of workers in Karnataka.


Sources:


  1. Analysis | Understanding Karnataka's Proposal For 14-Hour Workday

  2. 14-hour work day not our idea, IT industry exerting pressure: Karnataka labour minister

  3. Karnataka's 14-Hour Workday Proposal: The Burden on Women and Impact on Domestic Chores

4,850 of 10,000 signatures