Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has approved a controversial amendment to labor laws, extending the mandatory daily work hours for private firms and factories from nine to ten hours.
The government’s decision seeks to attract investments and enhance industrial productivity, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a business-friendly state.
However, workers’ unions strongly oppose the move, arguing that it will exploit laborers and compromise employee welfare.
The Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) policy aims to relax labor regulations in Andhra Pradesh, making business operations more seamless.
Through these changes, the government seeks to attract industries and position the state as a preferred investment destination.
However, trade unions have condemned the amendment, calling it a step toward modern-day slavery and warning of statewide protests.
Andhra Pradesh Government’s Justification for the Amendment
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led administration has defended the amendment, stating that it will spur economic growth and align with broader development goals.
Officials argue that the change aligns with the state’s IT & GCC (Global Capability Centres) Policy 4.0, which focuses on modern workplace structures.
This policy supports flexible work arrangements, including options for remote employment.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized that the reforms are part of a larger strategy to improve work-life balance and boost job creation.
He stated that longer work hours would help industries increase productivity, ultimately benefiting the state’s economy.
Key Changes in the Amended Labor Law
The new labor law introduces several significant changes:
- Increase in Daily Work Hours: The mandatory workday has now increased from nine to ten hours, reflecting a significant adjustment in labor regulations. This change marks a departure from the eight-hour cap, which was previously revised a decade ago.
- Overtime Regulations: The overtime limit has increased from 75 hours to 144 hours per quarter, allowing employers to extend work hours further. As a result, workers will receive additional wages only after completing 144 overtime hours within a quarter.
- Night Shift for Women: Women workers are now allowed to work night shifts from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., provided that adequate safety measures and transport facilities are in place.
- Paid Holiday for Night Shifts: Employees previously received an additional paid holiday in lieu of night shifts, but under the new law, this will be granted at the discretion of management.
Andhra Pradesh Workers’ Unions Condemn the Move
Trade unions have strongly opposed the amendment, arguing that it prioritizes corporate interests over workers’ rights.
CPM state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao has called for the immediate withdrawal of the decision, criticizing its impact on workers’ rights.
He alleges that the state government is acting under pressure from the central government to amend labor laws in favor of large industrial corporations.
Union leaders warn that the extended work hours could lead to worker exploitation, creating unfair labor conditions.
They fear that factory managements may pressure employees to work beyond scheduled hours, potentially exceeding 12-hour shifts daily.
Workers’ unions have expressed concerns about the negative effects of extended shifts on employee well-being.
They warn that longer work hours could result in physical strain and mental exhaustion, affecting overall productivity and health.
Public Reaction and Upcoming Protests
The announcement has sparked widespread backlash on social media, with users expressing frustration over its implications.
Many critics argue that the government is prioritizing industrial growth at the expense of worker welfare.
Labor unions have called for statewide protests, with a major strike planned for July 9 to oppose the amendments to labor laws.
A social media user commented, “Increasing factory work hours and overtime in Andhra Pradesh is a regressive move that prioritizes ‘ease of doing business’ over workers’ rights and well-being.”
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