IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The IT employees’ union in Karnataka, KITU, has been vocal about their discontent with the exploitative work practices in the industry. Recently, the union took to the streets to protest against the demands of two prominent industry leaders, Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The protest turned violent when IT employees in Bengaluru burnt effigies of both Murthy and Subrahmanyan, despite attempts by the police to stop them.
The controversy began when Murthy proposed a 70-hour workweek for IT professionals, citing the need for employees to adapt to the changing business environment. Subrahmanyan, on the other hand, suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week to meet the growing demands of the industry. The proposals were met with widespread criticism from employees, who felt that they were being asked to sacrifice their work-life balance for the benefit of their employers.
The protest, organized by KITU, aimed to express the employees’ frustration and discontent with the proposed work schedules. The union claimed that the proposals would lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a significant impact on the mental and physical health of employees.
On Tuesday evening, hundreds of IT employees gathered at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, where they burnt effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The protest began peacefully, with employees holding placards and shouting slogans against the proposed work schedules. However, the situation soon turned violent when the police tried to intervene and disperse the crowd.
Despite the police’s efforts, the employees managed to set fire to the effigies, which were made of papier-mâché and filled with combustible materials. The protesters also shouted slogans and chanted anti-Murthy and anti-Subrahmanyan slogans, expressing their anger and frustration.
The police were caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, and they struggled to control the crowd. The situation was chaotic, with employees and police officers clashing, and several people were injured in the melee. The police eventually managed to disperse the crowd, but not before the effigies were completely burnt.
The protest was widely condemned by industry leaders and employee organizations, who felt that it was unnecessary and unproductive. However, the employees who participated in the protest felt that it was a necessary step to express their discontent and demand better working conditions.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate about the working conditions in the IT industry. While some employees feel that they are being asked to work long hours, others argue that the industry is constantly evolving and that employees need to adapt to the changing environment.
The IT industry has been booming in recent years, with companies like Infosys and Wipro generating billions of dollars in revenue. However, the industry has also been criticized for its exploitative work practices, with employees often being asked to work long hours without adequate compensation or benefits.
The proposed work schedules by Murthy and Subrahmanyan have been seen as a reflection of the industry’s priorities. While the industry is focused on growth and profit, employees feel that their well-being and work-life balance are being ignored.
The protest by KITU has raised questions about the industry’s commitment to employee welfare. While some companies have been proactive in addressing employee concerns, others have been slow to respond to the changing needs of their workforce.
As the debate continues, IT employees in Bengaluru and beyond will be watching closely to see how their employers respond to their demands. Will the industry listen to its employees and address their concerns, or will it continue to prioritize profits over people?
