In recent months, the Indian Information Technology (IT) sector has been at the center of a significant labor movement, as employees and unions intensify their demands to curtail increasing working hours and eliminate unpaid overtime.
This surge in activism underscores a growing concern over work-life balance, employee well-being, and the enforcement of labor rights within the industry.
IT Unions Escalating Protests Against Extended Working Hours
On August 3, 2024, the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) organized a substantial protest at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, drawing hundreds of IT workers.
The demonstration was a direct response to the Karnataka government’s proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, which aimed to extend the permissible working hours from the existing 10 hours (including overtime) to 14 hours per day.
Protesters vociferously opposed the amendment, chanting slogans like “we are workers, not your slaves,” and symbolically burning copies of the proposed law.
They argued that such an extension would severely disrupt work-life balance and exacerbate existing health issues among employees.
KITU representatives pointed out that many IT professionals in India work longer hours than their global counterparts.
This has led to widespread mental and physical health challenges.
Citing studies from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the union emphasized that extended working hours are associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease.
The union’s general secretary, Suhas Adiga, emphasized that increasing working hours would violate workers’ basic rights to personal life.
He vowed to resist any such changes.
IT Unions Condemnation of Proposed Legislative Changes
The All India IT and ITeS Employees’ Union (AIITEU) also voiced strong opposition to the proposed legislative changes.
In a press release dated July 23, 2024, AIITEU condemned the Karnataka government’s proposal to amend the existing act to increase daily working hours beyond 12 hours.
The union argued that the increased use of automation in the IT industry should lead to reduced working hours.
This would allow workers more time for creative activities and leisure, ultimately enhancing productivity.
AIITEU called for stricter enforcement of existing labor laws.
It highlighted that many IT companies were not compensating employees for overtime work, thereby intensifying exploitation.
Tragic Incidents Highlighting the Consequences of Overwork
The debate over working hours and employee welfare intensified after a tragic incident.
The death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil, an accountant at EY in India, brought renewed attention to the issue.
Employed for just four months, Anna’s death was attributed to alleged overwork and stress.
Her mother accused the firm of fostering a toxic work culture. She claimed that this environment led to Anna’s deteriorating health and eventual cardiac arrest.
This incident sparked outrage and prompted the Indian government to initiate a thorough investigation into EY’s work environment.
Labor unions, including the National Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), called for systemic changes to protect workers from exploitative conditions.
Governmental Response and Regulatory Considerations
Following such incidents, authorities in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have taken action.
They have begun tightening workplace regulations to better protect white-collar employees.
Existing labor laws predominantly protect blue-collar workers, leaving corporate employees vulnerable.
In response, these states are increasing inspections and considering new guidelines to ensure better protection for white-collar workers.
The federal labor ministry is conducting an investigation into labor conditions in the IT sector.
It acknowledges the need to extend labor rights to all workers, addressing long-standing demands from service sector unions.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
