Nationwide Strike Looms as NITES Opposes Extended Work Hours in Karnataka for IT Employees

Bengaluru, 21st July 2024: The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed amendment to the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, which aims to extend working hours to 14 hours per day in Karnataka. In a letter addressed to Santhosh S Lad, Minister of Labour & Employment for the Government of Karnataka, NITES president Harpreet Singh Saluja outlined the organization’s concerns and the potential repercussions of such an amendment.

“Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has submitted it’s strong opposition to proposed amendment of Working Hours under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act to Karnataka State Labour Ministry. On behalf of IT employees across Karnataka and the entire nation, we urge the government to reconsider any amendments that seek to extend working hours beyond reasonable limits. We wish to emphasize that if any such amendment is enacted, we will have no choice but to resort to a nationwide strike. We believe in peaceful and lawful protest and affirm that IT employees have the power to effectively communicate our dissent by simply turning off our computers”, Saluja told Punekar News.

Key Concerns Highlighted:

1. International Labour Standards: NITES emphasizes that the proposed amendment contravenes guidelines set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which cap daily working hours at 8 hours and weekly hours at 48. The suggested increase to 14 hours daily is seen as a blatant disregard for these globally accepted standards.

2. Health and Well-being: The letter cites numerous studies demonstrating the adverse effects of prolonged working hours, including increased stress, fatigue, burnout, and diminished productivity. Health risks such as cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health issues are notably heightened under such conditions.

3. Work-Life Balance: Extending working hours would severely disrupt employees’ work-life balance, infringing on their personal time necessary for holistic development and family responsibilities. In Bengaluru and other IT hubs, where employees already endure long commuting times, this change would exacerbate stress and reduce time for rest and personal activities.

4. Impact on IT Sector: The IT sector’s reliance on innovation and creativity could be undermined by the proposed amendment. NITES argues that extended working hours would harm employee morale and well-being, ultimately tarnishing Karnataka’s reputation as a progressive and employee-friendly state.

Potential Actions: NITES warns that if the amendment is enacted, it will lead to a nationwide strike, with IT employees expressing their dissent by ceasing work. The organization asserts its commitment to peaceful and lawful protest while emphasizing the significant power IT employees wield by simply turning off their computers.

Appeal to the Government:
The letter concludes with a plea for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and adhere to international labour standards and constitutional rights. NITES hopes for a reconsideration of the amendment, emphasizing the importance of fair and humane working conditions.