Karnataka: Big win for IT sector as govt drops proposal to increase working hours

In a significant victory for the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) and IT sector employees, the Karnataka Government has been forced to withdraw its proposal to increase working hours in the IT/ITeS sector. 

Also Read: ‘One third of the workforce will be thrown out from their employment,’ ; KITU opposes amendment to Karnataka Shops and Commercial EstablishmentAct

KITU, the only registered union representing IT sector employees in Karnataka, has been leading sustained struggles and campaigns, with massive participation from employees across Bengaluru, against the attempt to increase working hours. 

The proposed “Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2025”, which sought to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961 to increase the working hours, was presented during a stakeholder meeting convened by the Labour Department on 18th June. KITU representatives strongly opposed the amendment in the meeting, asserting that it was a direct attack on a worker’s fundamental right to a personal life. 

KITU firmly warned the government that the union would not allow such a bill to be implemented under any circumstances. Over the past one and a half months, KITU has organised widespread protests and continuous campaigns against the proposed bill — in IT parks, on the streets, and in front of IT companies — drawing massive participation from employees. 

This relentless struggle compelled the Karnataka Government to retreat from its attempt to extend working hours in the sector. In a meeting with KITU office bearers, Additional Labour Commissioner G. Manjunath communicated the decision to scrap the proposed amendment. KITU congratulates all IT/ITeS employees who stood united with the union in resisting the government’s attempt to curtail hard-won labour rights. The union also extends its sincere gratitude to all organisations, central trade unions, and individuals who supported our struggle to defend the dignity and rights of the working class.