IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
In a bold protest against exploitative work practices, IT employees in Bengaluru burnt effigies of Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The protest was organized by KITU, an IT employees’ union in Karnataka, in response to recent statements made by the two industry leaders suggesting longer workweeks for employees.
As reported by Times Now News, the IT employees gathered in front of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union office in Bengaluru, where they constructed effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan. Despite attempts by the Bengaluru Police to stop them, the employees successfully burnt the effigies, expressing their discontent and frustration towards the industry leaders.
It all started when Murthy, in a recent interview, suggested that IT employees should be willing to work 70-hour workweeks to maintain their competitive edge in the industry. He argued that the current 8-hour workday was not sufficient to meet the demands of the rapidly changing technology landscape. Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), went a step further by proposing that employees should be prepared to work 90-hour workweeks.
The IT employees were outraged by these suggestions, which they saw as a blatant disregard for their well-being and work-life balance. They argued that longer workweeks would lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a significant impact on their mental and physical health.
The protest was a direct response to these statements, with employees demanding that their leaders prioritize their well-being and recognize the value of work-life balance. The IT employees union, KITU, has been vocal about the need for better working conditions, fair compensation, and an end to exploitative practices in the industry.
The protest was not without its challenges, as the Bengaluru Police attempted to stop the employees from burning the effigies. However, the employees remained resolute, and after a brief standoff, they were able to successfully burn the effigies, sending a powerful message to the industry leaders.
This protest is a stark reminder of the growing discontent among IT employees in India. Despite being one of the most lucrative industries in the country, IT employees often face long working hours, low wages, and a lack of job security. The industry’s focus on growth and profitability has led to the exploitation of employees, who are often expected to work long hours without adequate compensation or benefits.
The protest also highlights the need for industry leaders to recognize the value of their employees and prioritize their well-being. IT employees are the backbone of the industry, and their happiness and satisfaction are essential for the industry’s continued growth and success.
In conclusion, the burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan by IT employees in Bengaluru is a powerful statement against exploitative work practices. It is a call to action for industry leaders to recognize the value of their employees and prioritize their well-being. As the IT industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that leaders prioritize the happiness and satisfaction of their employees, rather than exploiting them for the sake of profits.
