IT employees burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s effigies for proposing longer workweeks
The information technology (IT) sector has long been known for its demanding work culture, with employees often working long hours to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time. However, a recent proposal by two prominent business leaders has sparked outrage among IT employees in Bengaluru, leading to a protest and the burning of effigies.
Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently suggested that IT employees should be willing to work longer hours to meet the demands of the industry. Murthy proposed that employees work 70-hour weeks, while Subrahmanyan suggested they work 90 hours a week. However, these suggestions have been met with widespread resistance from IT employees, who feel that they are already overworked and underpaid.
The protest against these proposals was led by the Karnataka IT/ITES Employees’ Union (KITU), which represents thousands of IT employees in the state. Despite attempts by the Bengaluru Police to stop them, KITU members successfully burnt effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan in a show of defiance.
The protest took place in front of the Infosys headquarters in Bengaluru, with hundreds of IT employees attending the event. The effigies were made of papier-mâché and were designed to resemble Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The protesters chanted slogans and held placards with messages such as “We will not be exploited” and “Fair pay for fair work”.
The protest was a reaction to the recent comments made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan, which were seen as insensitive and uncaring towards the well-being of IT employees. Many IT employees feel that they are already overworked and are not given adequate compensation or benefits for their efforts.
“It’s not about working extra hours, it’s about being treated with dignity and respect,” said a KITU member who attended the protest. “We are not machines that can be switched on and off at will. We are human beings who deserve a better quality of life.”
The protest was also seen as a response to the growing trend of exploitation in the IT industry. Many IT employees feel that they are being taken advantage of by their employers, who are willing to pay them lower salaries and offer fewer benefits in order to maximize profits.
“This is a wake-up call for the IT industry,” said another KITU member. “We will not be silenced by the likes of Murthy and Subrahmanyan. We will continue to fight for our rights and demand fair treatment.”
The protest has sent a clear message to the IT industry and its leaders that IT employees will no longer be taken for granted. It is a sign that IT employees are willing to stand up for their rights and demand fair treatment.
In conclusion, the burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan is a symbol of the growing discontent among IT employees in Bengaluru. It is a protest against the exploitative work practices that are prevalent in the IT industry and a demand for fair treatment and better working conditions.
As the IT industry continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that employers and leaders recognize the value of their employees and treat them with dignity and respect. It is only by doing so that the industry can continue to thrive and prosper in the long term.
