Overview

• The Andhra Pradesh government has amended labour laws to extend private sector workdays from nine to ten hours.
• The government says the change will boost industrial productivity, attract fresh investments, and enhance job creation.
• The revised rules allow women to take night shifts from 7 pm to 6 am provided proper safety precautions and transport are ensured.
• Trade unions have denounced the increase as exploitative and plan nationwide protests on July 9 in response to pay parity concerns.
• Critics and social media users warn that longer hours could undermine work-life balance and mental health without guaranteed wage increases.