IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The demand for work-life balance has taken center stage in the IT industry, with employees in Bengaluru, Karnataka, protesting against exploitative work practices. In a bold move, employees of various IT companies in the city burnt effigies of Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who recently proposed extended workweeks. The protest, organized by the Karnataka IT Unions Team (KITU), highlights the growing discontent among IT employees regarding their work-life balance.
The protest, which took place in the heart of Bengaluru, saw a large number of IT employees gather to express their dissent against the proposals made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan. Murthy, in a recent interview, suggested that employees should be willing to work 70-hour weeks to stay competitive in the industry. Subrahmanyan, on the other hand, went a step further, proposing that employees should work 90 hours a week. These proposals have been met with widespread criticism from employees, who feel that they are being asked to sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of their careers.
The protest, which was peaceful, saw employees from various IT companies, including Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, participate in the demonstration. The effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan were burnt, symbolizing the employees’ rejection of their proposals. The protesters also held placards and banners, with slogans like “We want work-life balance” and “No to exploitative work practices.”
Despite the police’s attempts to stop the protest, the employees managed to carry out their demonstration. The Bengaluru Police had anticipated violence and had deployed a large number of personnel in the area. However, the protesters remained peaceful and ensured that their message was conveyed without resorting to any form of violence.
The protest is a clear indication of the growing frustration among IT employees regarding their working conditions. Many employees feel that they are being worked to the bone, with long hours and demanding projects taking a toll on their personal lives. The industry’s focus on productivity and efficiency has led to a culture of overwork, where employees are expected to put in extra hours without any additional compensation.
The proposals made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan have been met with widespread criticism, with many experts and employees questioning the feasibility and morality of such extended workweeks. “It’s not about being competitive, it’s about being human,” said a protester, who wished to remain anonymous. “We need to have a balance between our work and personal life. This is not just about IT employees, it’s about the well-being of everyone.”
The protest is also a wake-up call for the IT industry, which has long been known for its flexi-hours and work-life balance. The industry’s focus on innovation and creativity requires a workforce that is happy, healthy, and motivated. Burnout and exhaustion can lead to decreased productivity and increased turnover, which can have long-term consequences for the industry.
The success of the protest is a testament to the growing power of IT employees, who are no longer willing to accept exploitative work practices. The industry must take note of the employees’ demands and work towards providing a better work-life balance. This can be achieved by implementing flexible working hours, providing adequate compensation, and promoting a culture of well-being and respect.
In conclusion, the protest by IT employees in Bengaluru is a significant development in the industry’s ongoing struggle for work-life balance. The burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan is a powerful symbol of the employees’ rejection of exploitative work practices. It is time for the industry to take note of the employees’ demands and work towards creating a more humane and sustainable work environment.
News Source:
