Trade Unions Urge Telangana to Roll Back 10-Hour Workday Policy

Fast Summary:

• Protest details: Leaders and activists from various trade unions,including Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC),protested in Hyderabad on July 7,2025.
• Reason for Protest: The protest opposed the Telangana government’s new Government Order (G.O.) issued on July 5, permitting daily work hours at commercial establishments to be increased from eight to ten hours. Weekly work hours remain capped at 48.
• Action Taken by Protestors: Demonstrators marched to the Labor Department’s office and submitted a formal portrayal demanding revocation of the G.O.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Telangana government’s decision to extend daily working hours from eight to ten-while maintaining a weekly cap of 48-is likely designed for operational adaptability in commercial establishments.Though, this decision has immediately sparked resistance among workers’ organizations who view it as an effort that may increase worker fatigue rather than productivity.

Trade unions such as CITU and AITUC argue that increasing daily hour limits puts undue strain on employees without raising overall compensation or reducing weekly working time. Their opposition underscores concerns about labor welfare versus economic efficiency-a longstanding debate within india’s evolving labor policies.

The protests are significant as they highlight broader tensions between governmental reforms aimed at liberalizing labor laws for businesses and preserving protections for workers’ rights. How this conflict is resolved may set an crucial precedent for similar proposals across other states in india.

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