IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The IT industry has been plagued by a slew of issues in recent years, from layoffs to stagnant salaries, and now, it seems that the employees are up in arms against their bosses’ proposal for longer workweeks. In a shocking display of defiance, IT employees in Bengaluru burnt effigies of Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan during a protest by KITU, an IT employees’ union in Karnataka, against exploitative work practices.
The protest was sparked by a recent statement made by Murthy, who suggested that IT employees should put in 70-hour workweeks to remain competitive in the industry. This came on the heels of a similar proposal made by Subrahmanyan, who suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week to boost productivity. The suggestions were met with widespread criticism and outrage from IT employees, who feel that they are already stretched to the limit with their current workloads.
The protest, which was organized by KITU, saw hundreds of IT employees gather at the IT Park in Bengaluru, where they burnt effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The protesters held placards and banners, demanding better working conditions and protesting against the proposed longer workweeks.
Despite efforts by the Bengaluru Police to stop the protest, the employees managed to go ahead with their plans, burning the effigies in a fiery display of dissent. The police had attempted to intervene, citing concerns over the safety of the protesters and the potential for violence. However, the employees were determined to make their voices heard, and the protest continued uninterrupted.
The protest was a clear indication of the frustration and disillusionment felt by IT employees in Bengaluru. Many have been working long hours for months, with little respite or recognition. The proposed longer workweeks have only added to their concerns, with many feeling that they are being taken advantage of by their employers.
“It’s not just about working longer hours,” said a protesting employee. “It’s about the lack of respect and consideration shown by our employers. We’re already burning out, and they want to push us even harder? It’s unacceptable.”
The protest has also highlighted the growing divide between IT employees and their employers. Many feel that the industry is prioritizing profits over people, and that the focus is shifting from employee welfare to shareholder value.
“It’s all about the bottom line,” said another protesting employee. “They don’t care about us, they only care about making money. We’re just cogs in a machine to them, and they’re willing to sacrifice our well-being for the sake of profits.”
The protest has also sparked a wider debate about the working conditions in the IT industry. Many have called for changes to the way the industry operates, including the introduction of more flexible working hours and better work-life balance.
The Bengaluru Police have promised to take action against the protesters, citing concerns over public safety. However, many have questioned the motives behind the police’s actions, suggesting that they are simply trying to silence the protesters and maintain the status quo.
The protest is a clear indication that IT employees are no longer willing to be silenced or taken advantage of. They are demanding change, and they will not be deterred by threats or intimidation. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, it is clear that the working conditions of IT employees will need to be re-examined.
In the meantime, the protest has sent a clear message to employers like Murthy and Subrahmanyan: IT employees will no longer be treated like robots, and they will fight for their rights and dignity.
