K'taka proposes 14-hour work extension

The move is aimed at increasing productivity

IT techies rue it, say it affects health

IT employees are staging a protest at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, against a proposal to extend their working hours to 14 hours a day. Organized by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union, the protest has drawn a significant number of workers who are urging the government to drop the proposal.

Also Read: ‘Akin to daylight robbery’: Techie on Karnataka’s 14-hour workday proposal

Protesters argue that the proposed extension is detrimental to their health and well-being. “Our health will go to the dogs,” one protester exclaimed, reflecting the general sentiment among the participants. They highlighted the already demanding nature of their current schedules, which they claim can lead to depression and other health issues.

“Working 14 hours a day is impossible,” another protester stated, emphasizing that the extension would only worsen their situation. The IT employees are enraged and united in their opposition to the proposed change, voicing their concerns loudly and clearly.

The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union, which is leading the protest, supports the workers’ demands and calls for the government to reconsider the proposal. They believe that extending working hours would have severe negative impacts on employee health and productivity.

The protest at Freedom Park underscores the growing discontent among IT professionals regarding the proposed increase in working hours. As the protest continues, the IT employees hope their unified voice will prompt the government to abandon the proposal and consider more sustainable work practices.