The Andhra Pradesh government, led by the TDP-NDA alliance, has decided to extend the maximum working hours from 9 to 10 per day. The move permits private companies and factories to increase daily work shifts by an hour, sparking widespread outrage and criticism on social media.
According to a PTI report, Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy stated that the labour laws will be amended to create a more ‘favourable’ environment for both workers and investors. However, many workers on social media questioned how extending working hours could benefit them. The decision has also sparked strong opposition from trade unions.
Criticism of 10-Hour Workday Policy
The decision to extend the maximum working hours from nine to ten per day has faced sharp criticism from employees, trade unions, and social media users. Workers argue that the extra hour significantly reduces their personal and family time, affecting their work-life balance and overall well-being. Trade unions have condemned the policy as exploitative, warning it could lead to increased fatigue, lower productivity, and deteriorating labor rights. Many have also questioned the government’s claim that the change is ‘favourable’ to workers, viewing it instead as a move favoring employers and investors at the expense of employees’ welfare.
On social media, users expressed that the extended work hours primarily benefit business owners, while employees bear the cost. Many feared that private companies would make the 10-hour workday mandatory, further disrupting work-life balance. One user summed it up, saying, “Good for financial growth. But what about mental health? With 10 hours of work, 2 hours of commuting, and 8 hours of sleep, you’re left with only 4 hours for everything else.”
An X user criticized the Andhra Pradesh government’s move, stating, “So the Andhra Pradesh govt thinks longer hours = better productivity? No, it means exploitation. More hours, same pay, worse lives. Workers deserve dignity, not burnout.”
Many others echoed concerns that the policy would lead to overworked employees with little time for family. Another user noted, “Nine hours of work was already a lot, and now they’ve increased it. Overworking employees has ripple effects—people will have no time for their families. With AP’s fertility rate already declining rapidly, this move disincentives raising children.”
Others pointed out that in some parts of India, maximum working hours already exceed the global average of eight hours per day.
“The Government is hand in glove with corrupt corporations that want to exploit cheap labour,” one user claimed.
Meanwhile, dozens of people questioned whether the increase in working hours would be matched with higher pay.
What the Andhra Pradesh Government Says
Information and Public Relations Minister K Parthasarathy defended the labour law amendments, stating, “Because of these changes, investors in factories will come to our state. These labour rules will be favourable for labourers, encouraging more investment. Globalisation is happening in every state, and these amendments were introduced to align with global standards.”
The minister also highlighted that the cabinet has relaxed night shift rules to enable more women to work night shifts. Previously, women were not allowed to work at night, but now, with safeguards such as consent, transport facilities, security, and surveillance, they can participate in night shifts.
Opposition Criticism
However, opposition voices have strongly opposed the government’s stance. K Ramakrishna, State Secretary of CPI, accused the NDA government of working against workers’ interests. Speaking to PTI, Ramakrishna said, “For the past 11 years, the Modi government has repeatedly taken measures that infringe upon workers’ rights in India.”
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