Andhra’s Extra Hour: Will the 10-Hour Workday Power Progress or Pushback?

Andhra Pradesh has stirred up quite a debate with its recent decision to increase the maximum daily work hours for private sector employees and factory workers from nine to ten hours. The government, led by the TDP, claims that this amendment is part of its strategy to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, making the state more appealing to industries and helping to create jobs.  

 

Key Highlights 

 

• The new law raises daily work hours to 10, nearly doubles the overtime limit from 75 to 144 hours per quarter, and permits women to work night shifts, as long as safety and transport measures are in place. 

• Now, compensatory paid holidays for night shifts are left to the employer’s discretion, which has raised concerns among workers’ unions. 

• Trade unions and labor rights groups have criticized this move as anti-worker, warning that it could lead to exploitation, health risks, and longer actual workdays—potentially stretching to 12 hours with overtime. 

• The government defends these changes as crucial for attracting investment, boosting productivity, and keeping up with modern workplace trends.  

 

Outlook 

 

While Andhra Pradesh aims to position itself as a leading investment hub, the decision is facing increasing protests from unions and a looming national strike over labor law reforms. The real challenge will be to see if the economic benefits can truly outweigh the concerns for worker welfare.

 

Source: Times of India