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.
Yes but this is Apple and Foxconn telling India to adopt the rules they are used to operating under in China. If that wasn't the manufacturing status quo then it would be different