IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
In a shocking display of protest, IT employees in Bengaluru burnt effigies of Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, demanding an end to exploitative work practices in the industry. The protest was organized by KITU, an IT employees’ union in Karnataka, who are fighting against the notion that employees should work longer hours for the sake of productivity.
The effigy-burning incident took place despite attempts by the Bengaluru Police to stop the protesters. The police had set up barricades and deployed personnel to prevent the employees from taking out a march, but the protesters managed to break through the barriers and successfully burnt the effigies.
The protest was sparked by recent comments made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan, who suggested that employees should work longer hours to increase productivity. Murthy had proposed 70-hour workweeks, while Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week. These comments have been met with widespread criticism from employees and unions, who argue that such long hours would lead to burnout and negatively impact employees’ mental and physical health.
The IT industry has long been notorious for its demanding work culture, with employees often working long hours and sacrificing their personal lives to meet deadlines. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to prioritize employees’ well-being and work-life balance.
KITU, the IT employees’ union that organized the protest, has been at the forefront of this movement. The union has been demanding better working conditions, increased salaries, and an end to exploitative practices in the industry. The union’s president, who was present at the protest, said that the effigy-burning was a symbol of the employees’ frustration and anger towards Murthy and Subrahmanyan’s comments.
“We are not against innovation or productivity, but we cannot accept the notion that employees should work themselves to death just to increase profits,” the union president said. “We demand a better work-life balance and an end to exploitative practices in the industry.”
The protest has sparked a wider debate about the need for meaningful change in the IT industry. Many employees are speaking out against the long hours and demanding better working conditions. The incident has also highlighted the need for employers to prioritize employees’ well-being and provide a healthy work environment.
In response to the protest, some companies have already started to re-evaluate their work culture and policies. Infosys, for example, has announced plans to provide more flexible working hours and better mental health support to its employees. Other companies are also expected to follow suit, as the industry begins to shift towards a more employee-centric approach.
The effigy-burning incident is a powerful reminder of the need for change in the IT industry. It is time for employers to listen to employees’ concerns and prioritize their well-being. The IT industry has the potential to be a driver of innovation and growth, but it must do so in a way that respects employees’ rights and well-being.
