The state [Karnataka] passed an amendment to its application of the factories act, which now allows for 12-hour shifts [up from 9], and the easing of rules for night-time work for women. The legislation increases the number of allowable overtime hours to 145 over a three-month period, up from 75, and caps maximum working hours at 48 per week [this is toothless].
Apple and its manufacturing partner Foxconn were involved in lobbying for a significant liberalisation of labour laws...There are “a lot of inputs" from industry lobby groups and foreign companies, including Foxconn and Apple, in the decision to amend Karnataka’s labour law.
I mean this is how it is in the third world. And countries with established unions usually have massive corruption problems within the unions itself. And people will gladly take these jobs because it's better than nothing. Conditions are not good.
For sure, I also wonder how much of this is also related to the caste system. I mean it's already clearly classist as is and it's probably just another layer to it i'd reckon