A Landmark Victory for IT Workers
After sustained resistance led by the Karnataka IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the state government has withdrawn its controversial plan to increase work hours, marking a major win for labor rights in India's tech hub.
The Withdrawn Proposal: By the Numbers
The government's proposal sought a significant increase in working hours, which would have drastically altered the work-life balance for IT professionals. This chart compares the existing legal limits with the proposed changes.
Timeline of Resistance
This victory was not instantaneous. It was the culmination of years of persistent opposition against multiple attempts to extend work hours. Explore the key milestones in this struggle.
2023: First Attempt
The then BJP-led government introduces a similar initiative, even suggesting an increase to a 14-hour workday before losing the state election.
March 9, 2024: Massive Mobilization
KITU organizes a major protest at Freedom Park, Bangalore, under the slogan "A Healthy Work-Life Balance is Every Employee's Right," resisting another 14-hour day proposal.
June 18, 2025: Stakeholder Meeting
The new INC government revives the proposal. At a key meeting, KITU vehemently opposes the plan, calling it "modern-day slavery."
July 29, 2025: Victory Declared
After months of campaigns and pressure, the Additional Labour Commissioner confirms to KITU that the government is withdrawing the proposal. IT workers celebrate on the streets.
The Key Players & Their Stances
The debate over work hours involved diverse stakeholders with conflicting views. Click on each player to understand their position on the proposal.
KITU: Strongly Opposed
As the sole registered IT union, KITU led the resistance. They argued the proposal was an "inhuman attempt to impose modern-day slavery" that would harm worker health, reduce productivity, and lead to job losses. They framed it as a fight for the fundamental right to a personal life.
The Road Ahead: What's Next for IT Labor Rights?
While this victory is significant, the struggle for fair labor practices in the IT sector continues. Several challenges and opportunities lie ahead for KITU and the workforce.
The 'Flexi-Hours' Loophole
The government's new conditional model requires "employee consent," but the Labour Minister admitted they lack the means to verify if consent is coerced. This remains a key area for union vigilance.
National Labour Codes
Broader labor law reforms at the national level could still grant companies more power in retrenchment and weaken unions, posing a long-term threat that local victories cannot fully prevent.
A Powerful Precedent
KITU's success serves as a powerful example, challenging the aversion to unionization in the tech sector and demonstrating the tangible benefits of collective action for achieving a fair work-life balance.
