The State government has suggested amending the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1961, to expand the daily working hours from the current nine hours to ten. This move of the state government, in addition to permitting greater overtime hours, has angered the state's trade unions.
12 Hrs/Day Working Hours in Bengaluru
The Labour Department sent out the proposed modification to the stakeholders to get their feedback. It permits the extension of work hours to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week. The proposal would increase the current 10 hours per day work cap to 12 hours per day, including overtime.
States with High Working Hours
In its proposed amendment, the Karnataka government referenced the Union government's directives to all States to consider adequately modifying the working hour limitations through legislation or regulations. The Center has also noted that similar amendments have been introduced in BJP-ruled states, including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Overtime Hours Also Increased
One of the proposed changes is to raise the current 50 hours of overtime per employee to 144 hours over three consecutive months.
Which Act is Being Amended?
The Act regulates many stores and businesses, such as hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants, offices, and the IT and ITES sectors that provide commercial services. Additionally, the suggested amendment would exempt shops and commercial establishments with fewer than ten employees from the Act's requirements, meaning they would not be required to file yearly returns.
The Labour Department called a meeting of interested parties here on Wednesday to finalize the proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Rules, 1963, and the 1961 Act.
