"'More hours, same pay, worse lives': Andhra Pradesh's 10-hour workday law sparks fury online", 10 June 2025

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by the TDP-NDA alliance, announced a contentious amendment to labour laws that increases the maximum daily working hours from nine to 10 in private firms and factories across the state. The move, aimed at attracting investment and enhancing industrial productivity, has triggered strong reactions from labour unions, opposition parties, and social media users. He added, “Relevant sections of laws which allow a maximum of nine hours of work a day have now been raised to 10 hours per day. Under Section 55, there used to be a one-hour rest for five hours (of work); now that has been changed to six hours.” Further, Parthasarathy revealed that the cabinet had amended provisions related to night shifts to permit more women to work during those hours. “When you work extra, your income will increase. Women can work in the formal sector. They empower women economically and promote gender inclusion and industrial growth. Also, contribute to women's empowerment,” he said. He also noted that the cap on overtime had been increased from 75 hours per quarter to 144 hours. However, the move has been met with sharp criticism from various quarters. K Ramakrishna, State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), alleged that the labour law changes were anti-worker in nature and were being implemented under pressure from the Central government. “For the past 11 years, the Modi government has repeatedly taken measures that infringe upon workers' rights in India,” Ramakrishna told PTI on Saturday.

..Labour unions have also expressed strong opposition. A trade union leader told The Times of India, “This is a betrayal… the policy will turn workers into slaves.” ..In protest against the amendments, trade unions have announced a nationwide demonstration on July 9. All sectors are expected to participate actively in opposition to the new regulations.