The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has announced a mass gathering of IT sector employees at Freedom Park on March 9 to demand the enforcement of labour laws, an end to excessive work hours, and the right to disconnect from work outside office hours. The demonstration, themed “A Healthy Work-Life Balance is Every Employee’s Right,” aims to shed light on the challenging working conditions faced by thousands of IT professionals in Bengaluru.
Unpaid Overtime and Mental Health Concerns
Despite Bengaluru being one of India’s largest economic hubs, the city’s IT workforce continues to grapple with unregulated and excessively long working hours. KITU claims that the standard eight-to-nine-hour workday is a myth, as employees are often forced to work overtime without compensation, including on weekends. Additionally, many IT companies expect employees to remain constantly available even after work hours, leading to significant mental and physical health issues.
This issue is not new. In March 2024, KITU submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Labour Minister, urging stricter regulations on working hours and overtime compensation. However, despite multiple meetings and protests, the union alleges that the government has failed to take any concrete action to address these concerns.
Key Demands of KITU
- Enforcement of Daily Working Hour Limits: To prevent employee burnout and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
- Ending IT Sector Exemptions: The IT sector should no longer be exempt from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act.
- Action Against Labour Law Violations: Strict measures must be taken against IT/ITeS companies that violate labour laws.
- Right to Disconnect: Employees should have the right to refuse after-hours communication without facing any repercussions.
Growing Discontent in Bengaluru’s Tech Sector
The KITU protest comes amid rising dissatisfaction within Bengaluru’s IT industry. The city, which is home to over 1.5 million tech workers, has seen mass layoffs, pay cuts, and increasing work pressure in recent years. Many major IT firms, citing global economic slowdowns and automation, have downsized their workforce, leaving numerous employees without job security.
At the same time, IT professionals in Bengaluru have raised concerns about hostile work environments and deteriorating mental health. A 2023 survey revealed that over 70% of IT workers reported symptoms of anxiety, stress, and burnout. Despite this, many companies lack adequate mental health support systems or proper grievance redressal mechanisms.
A Call for Change
KITU’s protest underscores the urgent need for reforms in the IT sector to protect employees’ rights and well-being. The union’s demands highlight the growing need for a balanced work environment, fair labour practices, and better mental health support for Bengaluru’s tech workforce. The gathering on March 9 is expected to draw significant attention to these critical issues and push for meaningful action from both employers and the government.
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