In a major victory for IT/ITES employees in Karnataka, the state government has decided to withdraw the controversial proposal to increase working hours in the IT/ITES sector. This decision comes after relentless protests and campaigns spearheaded by the Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union (KITU).
Background
- The Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2025 aimed to amend the existing 1961 Act to extend working hours for employees in the IT/ITES sector.
- The bill was presented during a stakeholder meeting convened by the Labour Department on 18th June 2025.
- KITU, the only registered union representing IT sector employees in Karnataka, vehemently opposed the bill, citing infringement on workers’ fundamental right to personal life and work-life balance.
KITU’s Role and Employee Mobilisation
- Over 6 weeks, KITU organised widespread protests and campaigns across Bengaluru’s IT parks, streets, and outside IT companies.
- The union’s massive mobilization demonstrated strong employee unity and opposition to the increased working hours.
- KITU issued a firm warning that it would not tolerate the implementation of the proposed bill under any circumstances.
Outcome
- The sustained pressure led the Karnataka Government to retract the proposal.
- In a meeting with KITU officials, Additional Labour Commissioner G. Manjunath formally communicated the withdrawal of the amendment bill.
Statement from KITU
KITU congratulated the employees for their solidarity and thanked all supporting organisations, central trade unions, and individuals. The union reaffirmed its commitment to defend labour rights and protect employee dignity in Karnataka’s IT/ITES sector.
This outcome marks a significant precedent for protecting worker rights amid attempts to extend working hours in India’s fast-growing tech industries.