Feeling Trapped by 54-Hour Workweeks and HR's Intimidation – How Can I Stand Up?

In my company, they are forcing us to work 9 hours daily, which amounts to 54 hours a week. The HR department of my company is not listening to us. They are threatening us by implying they will tarnish our careers with negative character certificates and compel us to resign. This intimidation has silenced everyone from speaking out against it. They justify the 9-hour workday by explaining that it consists of 8 hours of work and 1 hour of lunch, during which we are not allowed to leave the premises. Consequently, we are required to complete a full 9 hours daily.

Moreover, they are also pressuring us to work more than 9 hours each day. I am unsure of what steps I can take in response to this situation. I prefer not to have my name associated with these concerns, yet I am unwilling to endure this exploitation.

Work Hours and Employee Rights

Working 9 hours in a single day occasionally is permissible, but it should not become a regular practice. Advise the HR Manager that this kind of attitude may lead employees to form a union for collective bargaining. Background verification and negative remarks in the relieving order are tools used by new-generation HR Managers. Let them understand that these measures apply to them as well. A negative comment about the HR climate of the organization on social media could cost the organization significantly.

They make us work daily for more than 9 hours, even on Saturdays, for more than 9 hours. It's also work from the office; they make us stay late, and then going back home is really unsafe.

The solution is to speak to HR during your monthly meeting. If they are not willing to change their attitude, file a complaint with the Labor Officer, who can conduct an inspection and report this non-compliance. You can also expose the organization as "the worst place to work."

We tried to talk to seniors, HR, and every responsible person about it, but unfortunately, there has been no response. I want to know if there is any way to file a complaint with the labor office without exposing my identity, as I don't want to risk my career.

You can bring this to the attention of the officer responsible for enforcing labor laws in your area, but be aware it might affect your career. As mentioned, their behavior is influenced by their power, and they know that no one will likely file a complaint against them. However, if you remain silent, the situation may worsen in the future.

There are links on portals like EPF and ESI where you can lodge complaints about an organization. Many state labor department portals also provide such facilities. You should utilize them. Without someone taking the first step, others will not be able to work peacefully.

You can also submit these grievances through the online portal of the PMO.

Overtime Regulations and Reporting

Working beyond 8 hours attracts overtime. All employees should claim overtime for extra hours worked. You need to bring this to the attention of the labor and factory authorities. The HR department can't take action because they are pressured by management. Nowadays, there are many avenues to lodge complaints online; you can lodge a complaint on the labor and factory director's portal with evidence or visit their respective offices. Also, send a copy of the memo to all department heads.

First, lunch hour/time is excluded from working time under all labor laws; therefore, the HR is correct to that extent. It is not necessary for them to let you go out of the office (though that rule is excessive in the current scenario). As long as you are not working during the lunch hour, it's still 8 hours of work in a day.

If you are not happy with the terms of service, you should look for another job. They cannot spoil your career if you are leaving and joining another company. Since you know complaining is meaningless, then don't bother to do it and instead see which other company you can work for.

The rest is hardly going to help you.

Overtime Pay and Employee Rights

Overtime, working more than eight hours, attracts overtime pay. Every employee should submit a claim for overtime pay as it becomes available. You must bring this up with the factory and labor authorities. Under the pressure of management, the HR department is powerless and unable to take any action.

Ways to File Complaints

There are numerous ways to file complaints these days, including online, through the labor and factory director portals, with supporting documentation, or in person at the appropriate office. Make sure to distribute a copy of the memo to each department head.