In a major labour reform move, the Andhra Pradesh government has amended existing labour laws to extend the minimum working hours for private companies and factories from 9 to 10 hours per day. The state government says the measure is aimed at boosting industrial productivity and attracting fresh investments.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from labour unions and social media users, who argue that it undermines employee welfare and dilutes long-standing labour protections.
What the Andhra govt said defending new labour law?
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led administration defended the amendment, claiming it would spur economic growth and align with broader development goals. Officials argued the change complements the state’s IT & GCC (Global Capability Centres) Policy 4.0, which also promotes flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said the reforms were part of a larger strategy to improve work-life balance and boost job creation. “Such initiatives can help us strike a better work-life balance,” Naidu said, as quoted by Livemint.
Women can do night shifts under new law
One key change in the amended law allows women to work night shifts from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., provided adequate safety measures and transport facilities are in place. Supporters have welcomed this as a step towards gender parity in the workforce, though critics caution about implementation and safeguards.
A user on social media wrote, “Andhra Pradesh’s new Factories Amendment Bill permits women to work night shifts with necessary safeguards… a step towards industrial reform, but workers’ rights and safety must remain paramount.”
What did the trade unions say?
Labour unions have strongly opposed the move, calling it exploitative and a betrayal of workers. “This is a betrayal… the policy will turn workers into slaves,” a trade union leader told The Times of India.
Online platforms were also abuzz with criticism. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Increasing factory work hours and overtime in Andhra Pradesh is a regressive move that prioritises ‘ease of doing business’ over workers’ rights and well-being.”
The new rules also raise the permissible overtime limit to 144 hours per quarter and allow 12-hour workdays, further stirring up the concerns over worker exploitation.