Gujarat yesterday, Telangana today Modi government’s Labor Codes trigger unrest, Orders issued to increase daily work hours to 10, trade unions prepare for mass protests. It is well known that the Modi government, aiming to increase corporate profits by extracting more labor, is pushing through four new Labor Codes. In opposition to this, workers across the country will go on a nationwide strike on the 9th of this month. Escalating tensions further, the BJP government in Gujarat recently ordered that workers must work 10 hours a day. Echoing this, the Congress government in Karnataka issued similar directives. Now, the Telangana government has followed suit, formalizing the 10 hour workday through official orders. Despite differences in political parties, the unity of thought among pro-capitalist ruling elites is evident here.
The hard-won achievement of the 8 hour workday, the spirit of May Day, and the values of human dignity are being eroded by these government moves. Policies are now being crafted to convert the sweat of laborers into profits for corporations. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, returning from foreign investment tours, is putting the labor force on the line for corporate convenience. Many youth, working jobs unrelated to their education, are already stuck in exploitative factory conditions. National labor unions warn that if the four Labor Codes are implemented, workers will lose essential rights like minimum wages, job security, and paid leave. In this context, Revanth Reddy’s decision is being strongly condemned by labor groups, which say the move is exploitative under the guise of ‘Ease of Doing Business’.
Previously, Labor Minister Vivek Venkataswamy dismissed such plans. But within a week, the government reversed course and issued orders supporting the 10 hour workday. Even the Congress affiliated labor union INTUC plans to join the July 9th strike opposing the anti-labor, anti-farmer, and anti-people policies of the Modi government. The Telangana government didn’t even consider this while issuing its decision.
● Up till now.
According to current labor laws, workers are allowed to work only 8 hours per day, not exceeding 48 hours per week. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has even proposed reducing this further, citing mental and physical stress from long working hours.
● A blow to employment.
Traditionally, 24/7 industries operated in three shifts. Now, companies may eliminate the third shift, operating in two shifts with the same pay. Very few firms actually pay fair overtime. This change would push many shift workers out of jobs, affecting families and increasing unemployment. Companies already make two people do the work of three to save salaries, and the labor department remains inactive.
● Corporate narrative.
Industry leaders like Narayana Murthy (Infosys) and S. N. Subrahmanyan (L&T) have openly called for increasing workweeks to 70–90 hours. These statements sparked national debate, with many arguing that longer work hours destroy creativity. Despite this, governments continue pushing to increase hours.
● A grave threat.
Paladugu Bhaskar, state secretary of CITU, said the 10 hour workday is a blatant exploitation of workers. He stated that Revanth Reddy’s government is following Modi’s path, revising and simplifying labor laws in favor of corporate profits, with no benefit to workers. CITU strongly condemns the state government’s decision and demands an immediate rollback. He called on the Telangana government to unconditionally support the nationwide labor struggle against the BJP’s anti-worker policies.
● Official Orders Issued.
The Telangana cabinet recently approved the 10 hour workday. On Saturday, the state’s Labor Department issued orders increasing working hours in commercial establishments from 8 to 10 hours per day. Overtime pay is required if work exceeds 48 hours per week. Workers must receive at least a half-hour break after 6 hours, and cannot be made to work more than 12 hours (including breaks). The department justified the changes as part of the Ease of Doing Business policy.