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In recent years, a controversial opinion has surfaced among some Indian industrialists advocating for an increase in the working hours for white-collar jobs to as high as 90 hours per week. While this proposal is framed as a means to enhance productivity and economic growth, it raises critical ethical, economic, and social concerns. Understanding this debate requires delving into the dynamics of labor exploitation, particularly through the lens of Karl Marx’s theory of surplus labor and profit generation.

Marx’s Theory of Surplus Labor

Karl Marx’s theory of surplus labor, as articulated in Das Kapital, explains how profits are derived under capitalism. According to Marx, the value of a commodity is determined by the socially necessary labor time required to produce it. In the context of labor, the workday can be divided into two components:

1. Necessary Labor Time: The portion of the workday where the worker produces enough value to cover their wages (the cost of subsistence).


2. Surplus Labor Time: The additional hours beyond necessary labor, during which the worker produces surplus value, which is appropriated by the employer as profit.

In essence, profit is generated by extending the duration of surplus labor. Increasing working hours to 90 per week dramatically extends surplus labor time, enabling industrialists to extract greater profits and accumulate investable surplus.

Economic Rationale Behind the Proposal

Proponents of longer working hours argue that such measures can:

1. Boost Productivity: Longer hours theoretically lead to higher output, especially in industries requiring creative or strategic input.


2. Increase Profits: Extending working hours reduces the relative cost of labor per unit of output, maximizing surplus value.


3. Enhance Global Competitiveness: Indian industries could potentially match or surpass their international counterparts by leveraging intensified human capital.

The Reality of Surplus Labor in Modern Context

While these arguments seem appealing, they overlook several critical factors:

1. Diminishing Marginal Returns on Labor

Research shows that productivity decreases significantly after a certain threshold of working hours. A Stanford University study found that output per hour drops dramatically beyond 50 hours a week, and workers putting in 70 hours produce no more than those working 55. Excessive hours may lead to burnout, errors, and declining quality, negating any perceived benefits of surplus labor.

2. Social and Health Impacts

White-collar jobs often involve intense cognitive effort, and excessive hours can lead to severe mental and physical health issues. Chronic stress, depression, and cardiovascular diseases are among the documented risks. These consequences not only diminish the quality of life for workers but also impose long-term costs on employers and the healthcare system.

3. Ethical Concerns

Extending workweeks to 90 hours raises significant ethical questions. It shifts the balance of power further in favor of employers, exacerbating income inequality and undermining workers’ rights. Such practices could erode the social contract between labor and capital, fostering resentment and reducing morale.

Critical Analysis of Investable Surplus

Increasing surplus labor might generate immediate profits, but this strategy fails to account for long-term sustainability. Marx warned that excessive exploitation leads to the alienation of workers and class conflict. Modern parallels can be seen in high attrition rates, labor union strikes, and the growing demand for better work-life balance among employees. The notion of investable surplus is rendered moot if the workforce is demotivated and disengaged.

Global Comparisons

Countries like Germany and the Netherlands have implemented shorter workweeks while achieving high productivity and profitability. Their success underscores the importance of efficiency, automation, and innovation over mere extension of working hours.

Alternative Approaches to Profit Generation

Instead of resorting to archaic practices of labor exploitation, Indian industries should explore more sustainable strategies:

1. Leveraging Technology: Automation and AI can enhance productivity without overburdening workers.


2. Skill Development: Investing in employee training can improve output quality and innovation.


3. Flexible Work Models: Providing options for flexible work hours and remote work can boost efficiency and attract top talent.

A Flawed Vision of Progress

The call for 90-hour workweeks reflects a shortsighted view of economic progress, rooted in exploitative models of surplus labor. While the drive for higher profits is a legitimate goal, it must be balanced with the well-being of workers and the long-term sustainability of industries. Indian industrialists must recognize that human capital is not an infinite resource to be drained but a valuable asset to be nurtured. By shifting the focus from exploitation to innovation, India can achieve equitable and sustainable growth in the global economy.