The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has called for a mass gathering of IT sector employees at Freedom Park on March 9 to demand 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," seeks to highlight the precarious working conditions faced by thousands of IT professionals in Bengaluru.
Unpaid Overtime and Mental Health Concerns
Despite being one of India's biggest economic hubs, Bengaluru's IT workforce continues to struggle with long, unregulated working hours. According to KITU, the eight-to-nine-hour workday is a myth, as employees are frequently required to work overtime without compensation, including on weekends. Many IT firms also expect employees to be constantly available beyond work hours, leading to severe mental and physical health issues.
The situation is not new—in March 2024, KITU submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka Labour Minister demanding stricter regulations on working hours and overtime compensation. However, despite multiple meetings and protests, the government has failed to take concrete action, the union alleges.
Key Demands of KITU
1. Enforcement of daily working hour limits to prevent burnout.
2. Ending the exemption of the IT sector from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act.
3. Strict action against labour law violations in IT/ITeS companies.
4. Implementation of the Right to Disconnect, allowing employees to refuse after-hours communication without repercussions.
The Broader Crisis in Bengaluru’s Tech Sector
The KITU protest comes at a time of growing discontent within Bengaluru’s IT industry. The city, home to over 1.5 million tech workers, has witnessed mass layoffs, pay cuts, and increasing work pressure in recent years. Several major IT firms, citing global economic slowdown and automation, have downsised their workforce, leaving many employees without financial security.
At the same time, Bengaluru’s IT professionals have also raised concerns about hostile work environments and rising mental health issues. A 2023 survey found that over 70% of IT workers reported symptoms of anxiety, stress, and burnout. Yet, many companies lack mental health support or proper grievance mechanisms.