IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The IT industry in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has witnessed a bold protest by employees against exploitative work practices. The Karnataka IT/ITes Employers’ Association (KITUE) union, representing thousands of IT employees, held a demonstration outside the Karnataka State IT/ITes Export Promotion (KEPO) office, where they burnt effigies of Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The protest was a response to Murthy’s recent suggestion of 70-hour workweeks for employees and Subrahmanyan’s proposal of 90 hours a week.
The protest, which was peaceful despite efforts by the Bengaluru Police to stop it, highlighted the growing discontent among IT employees regarding the increasing workload and pressure to deliver results. The employees, who are the backbone of the IT industry, are demanding better working conditions and an end to exploitative practices.
Murthy’s proposal of 70-hour workweeks sparked widespread criticism and outrage among employees, who felt that it was an unrealistic and unreasonable demand. Many have been working long hours for years, and the suggestion that they should work even longer hours without any corresponding increase in pay or benefits was seen as an attempt to extract more productivity from employees without providing any benefits.
Subrahmanyan’s proposal of 90-hour workweeks was seen as even more draconian, and many employees felt that it was an attempt to turn them into machines, devoid of any human rights or dignity. The suggestion that employees should be expected to work for 90 hours a week without any break or respite was seen as an attack on their well-being and a violation of their fundamental human rights.
The protest by KITU, which was supported by many IT employees, was a clear message to Murthy and Subrahmanyan that their proposals were unacceptable and would not be tolerated. The employees are demanding better working conditions, including a reduction in workload, more breaks, and a more humane approach to work.
The Bengaluru Police, who were present at the protest, attempted to stop the employees from burning the effigies, but they were unsuccessful. The employees, who were determined to make their voices heard, went ahead with the protest, despite the police’s attempts to intervene.
The protest has sparked a wider debate about the working conditions in the IT industry and the need for change. Many employees are demanding better working conditions, including a reduction in workload, more breaks, and a more humane approach to work. The protest has also highlighted the need for employers to prioritize the well-being and happiness of employees, rather than just focusing on profits.
In conclusion, the protest by IT employees in Bengaluru is a clear message to Murthy and Subrahmanyan that their proposals for longer workweeks are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The employees are demanding better working conditions, including a reduction in workload, more breaks, and a more humane approach to work. The protest has sparked a wider debate about the working conditions in the IT industry and the need for change.
