On August 4, 2024, hundreds of IT workers in Bengaluru gathered at Freedom Park to protest a proposal that could significantly increase their working hours. The Karnataka government’s proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act would allow IT, ITeS, and BPO employees to work up to 14 hours a day, including overtime. This is an increase from the current 10-hour workday cap, which has been a standard under the existing law.

Led by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), protesters voiced concerns over the impact of extended working hours on both physical and mental health. Workers chanted slogans such as “We are workers, not your slaves,” expressing their frustration with what they view as an exploitative measure. The union highlighted that longer work hours could exacerbate existing health issues in the industry, such as burnout and chronic stress, which are already prevalent among IT workers

The proposed changes have sparked significant opposition, especially considering that a large portion of the IT workforce already works beyond statutory hours without adequate compensation. Many workers emphasized how the increase in working hours would erode work-life balance and disproportionately affect women, who may find it harder to advance in their careers due to time constraints.