Get ready to work 15 hrs a day. #work #worklifebalance #workfromhome

The new proposal by the IT sector says, "employees in the IT/ITeS/BPO sector may be required or allowed to work more than 12 hours a day and not exceeding 125 hours in three continuous months".

The government has held an initial meeting on this matter and further decisions will be taken soon, sources added. The proposal is likely to be discussed in the cabinet.

STRONG RESISTANCE FROM EMPLOYEES
The move to extend working hours has been met with strong resistance from the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU). The union released a statement warning that one-third of the workforce will be out of employment as the number of working shifts will be reduced.

"This amendment will allow the companies to go for a two shift system instead of the currently existing three shift system and one third of the workforce will be thrown out of their employment,” it said.

The union also pointed out studies on the health impacts of extended working hours among IT employees.

"As per the report of KCCI, 45% of employees in the IT sector are facing mental health issues such as depression and 55% facing physical health impacts. Increasing working hours will further aggravate this situation," it said.