The Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government is planning to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, to increase the daily working limit to 12 hours. Currently, the law caps working hours at nine per day and overtime at 10 hours, with a maximum of 50 overtime hours in three months. The proposed changes seek to raise these limits significantly.
Following Andhra Pradesh’s Footsteps
This proposed change echoes Andhra Pradesh’s recent move to raise the maximum working hours from nine to 10 per day, aimed at improving ease of doing business and attracting investors. Andhra also amended laws to allow women to work night shifts, provided safety measures are in place. The Andhra government claims such policies empower women and boost industrial growth.
Trade Unions Raise Alarm In Karnataka
The proposed increase in working hours has triggered strong opposition from trade unions in Karnataka. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has labelled the proposal “modern-day slavery” and warned it would legalise 12-hour shifts, disrupting work-life balance and threatening job security by enabling a two-shift system that could reduce overall employment.
Concerns Over Mental Health And Rights
KITU cited the State Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024, which found that 90 per cent of corporate employees under 25 suffer from anxiety. Union leaders argue that the amendment would worsen already poor mental health among employees and erode basic worker rights. KITU’s Suhas Adiga claimed the move is aimed at pleasing corporate interests rather than improving productivity.
A Battle Between Growth And Worker Welfare
While the government claims the move would align with industry demands and economic growth, unions maintain it prioritises profit over people. With discussions still underway, the issue has ignited a debate over the balance between economic development and humane working conditions. As dialogue continues, employee voices are pushing back against what they see as a dangerous precedent.
