IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The IT industry, known for its fast-paced and demanding work culture, has been at the center of a heated debate lately. The latest controversy surrounding the industry has seen IT employees in Bengaluru, India, take to the streets to protest against exploitative work practices. The trigger for this protest was a proposal made by Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy to increase work hours to 70 hours a week, which was later echoed by L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who suggested employees should work 90 hours a week.
In response to these proposals, hundreds of IT employees, led by the Karnataka IT Unions (KITU), organized a protest in Bengaluru, where they burnt effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The protest was marked by a strong sense of resentment and frustration among the employees, who feel that their well-being and work-life balance are being ignored by their leaders.
The protest, which was attended by numerous IT employees from various companies, including Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, saw participants chanting slogans and holding placards with messages like “No to 70-hour workweeks” and “Respect Employee Rights.” Despite attempts by the Bengaluru Police to stop the protesters, the employees managed to set fire to the effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan.
The IT industry has long been criticized for its demanding work culture, which often leads to employees working long hours, sacrificing their personal lives, and neglecting their physical and mental well-being. The industry’s obsession with productivity and efficiency has resulted in employees being asked to put in extra hours without any additional compensation or benefits.
Murthy’s proposal to increase work hours to 70 hours a week was seen as a direct attack on the industry’s employees, who already work long hours. His suggestion was met with widespread criticism and outrage, with many employees questioning the viability and sustainability of such a proposal. The proposal was also seen as a sign of disrespect for the industry’s employees, who have been working tirelessly for years to drive the industry’s growth and success.
Subrahmanyan’s suggestion to increase work hours to 90 hours a week was also met with similar criticism. The proposal was seen as an attempt to exploit employees for the benefit of the company, rather than focusing on improving their well-being and work-life balance.
The protest in Bengaluru was a clear indication of the frustration and resentment that IT employees feel towards their leaders and the industry’s work culture. The employees are demanding respect for their rights, fair compensation, and a better work-life balance.
The Karnataka IT Unions (KITU) has been at the forefront of the protests, demanding that the government and industry leaders take concrete steps to address the issues faced by IT employees. The union has been pushing for better working conditions, improved compensation, and a reduction in working hours.
The protest has also highlighted the need for the industry to rethink its approach to work-life balance and employee well-being. The industry’s obsession with productivity and efficiency has resulted in employees being pushed to the limits, leading to burnout, stress, and decreased morale.
In conclusion, the protest by IT employees in Bengaluru against Murthy and Subrahmanyan’s proposals for longer workweeks is a clear indication of the industry’s need to rethink its approach to work-life balance and employee well-being. The industry must prioritize its employees’ well-being and respect their rights, rather than exploiting them for the benefit of the company.
