- Union Minister Piyush Goyal faced criticism from Karnataka IT/ITeS union over work culture remarks
- Goyal said no Indian mentions 5 o’clock or weekends, highlighting India’s strong work ethic
- KITU warned comments promote excessive work, risking employee dignity and health protections
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has faced criticism from the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union over his remarks about India's work culture during the India-Netherlands Business Forum, sparking a debate over employee rights and expectations around working hours.
Speaking at the event, Goyal said, "Nobody in India will tell you it's 5 o'clock. And certainly, no Indian will ever remind you it's the weekend." His comments were aimed at highlighting India's "work ethic" and appeal as a business destination.
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In a statement issued on October 28, KITU strongly objected to the remarks, arguing that they could encourage companies to expect employees to remain available beyond regular working hours, including weekends.
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The union described the comments as a glorification of excessive work and warned against normalising workplace practices that undermine employees' dignity, health and personal lives. It argued that such messaging risks weakening the importance of working-hour limits, weekly holidays and existing labour protections.
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KITU Raises Concerns Over Employee Well-Being
The union said Indian workers already face challenges such as workplace stress, burnout and increasingly demanding schedules. It highlighted the impact of prolonged working hours on physical and mental health, family relationships and social life.
KITU also criticised the wider corporate push for longer working hours, pointing to similar arguments made by prominent business leaders. It maintained that rest, family time and personal development are essential to a dignified life, not privileges that employers can choose to grant.
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Union Calls For Protection Of Labour Rights
KITU urged the government to strengthen the enforcement of labour laws and international labour standards instead of endorsing workplace expectations that could compromise employee welfare.
The union also called on workers, trade unions and democratic organisations to oppose excessive working hours and defend reasonable schedules, weekly rest and the right to disconnect from work outside official hours.
The statement, signed by general secretary Suhas Adiga, emphasised that economic growth should not come at the expense of workers' well-being.
The controversy has renewed debate over India's workplace culture, particularly in the technology sector, where questions about long hours, productivity and work-life balance remain contentious.
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