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. This dramatic move was taken by the Karnataka IT Union (KITU) to express their discontent and frustration towards the suggestions made by these industry leaders. Murthy had proposed a 70-hour workweek, while Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week. The protest was met with resistance from the Bengaluru Police, but the employees remained undeterred and went ahead with their plan.
The protest took place on a busy street in Bengaluru, with a large number of IT employees participating in the demonstration. The effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan were made to represent the “exploitative” leaders who are more concerned with profits than the well-being of their employees. The employees held signs and banners with slogans like “No to longer workweeks” and “Protect our rights.” The atmosphere was tense, with the police trying to intervene and disperse the crowd.
The protest was a response to the comments made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan, which were seen as insensitive and uncaring towards the struggles faced by IT employees. Murthy had stated that a 70-hour workweek was necessary to stay competitive in the industry, while Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should be willing to work longer hours to achieve success. The comments sparked outrage among IT employees, who felt that their well-being was being neglected in the pursuit of profits.
The IT industry has been known for its demanding work culture, with employees often working long hours and sacrificing their personal lives. However, the recent comments from Murthy and Subrahmanyan have taken this to a new level, with employees feeling that their rights are being ignored. The protest is a sign of the growing discontent among IT employees, who are demanding better working conditions and a more balanced lifestyle.
The Bengaluru Police tried to intervene and stop the protest, but the employees remained steadfast in their demands. The police used force to disperse the crowd, but the employees refused to back down. The protest was eventually brought under control, but not before the effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan were burnt.
The protest has sparked a wider debate about the working conditions in the IT industry. Many employees are calling for better working conditions, including a more reasonable workweek and better compensation. The industry has been known for its high salaries and benefits, but employees feel that these are not enough to compensate for the long hours and demanding work culture.
The comments made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan have also sparked a debate about the role of industry leaders in shaping the work culture. Many employees feel that leaders like Murthy and Subrahmanyan are setting a bad example by promoting exploitative work practices. The protest is a call to action for industry leaders to take a more balanced approach to work and to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
The IT industry is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, and the protest is a wake-up call for industry leaders to take notice of the concerns of their employees. The industry has been growing rapidly, but this growth has come at the expense of the well-being of its employees. It is time for industry leaders to take a more balanced approach to work and to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
