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. The employees, belonging to the Karnataka IT Union (KITU), gathered in large numbers to voice their discontent against the proposed longer workweeks.
The protests were sparked by recent statements made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan, who suggested that employees should work 70 and 90 hours a week, respectively. These statements have been met with widespread criticism and outrage from the IT community, with many employees expressing concerns about their well-being and work-life balance.
The protest began with a rally in the heart of Bengaluru, where hundreds of IT employees gathered to express their opposition to the proposed longer workweeks. The employees, dressed in their formal attire, carried placards and banners with slogans like “We are not machines” and “Respect our work-life balance.”
As the rally gained momentum, a group of protesters, led by KITU, carried large effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan to the designated spot. The effigies were set ablaze, sending flames soaring into the air as the protesters cheered and chanted slogans.
Despite efforts by the Bengaluru Police to stop the protesters, the effigies were successfully burnt, sending a strong message to the corporate leaders and policymakers. The police had earlier attempted to intervene, stating that the protest was unauthorized and could cause disturbance to public order.
However, the protesters remained defiant, citing their right to peaceful assembly and expression. “We are not going to be silenced by the authorities,” said a protesting employee. “We will continue to fight for our rights and demand a better work-life balance.”
The proposed longer workweeks have sparked a heated debate in the IT industry, with many employees expressing concerns about their physical and mental well-being. Long working hours can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased productivity, ultimately affecting the quality of work and overall well-being of the employees.
The IT industry, which is known for its fast-paced and demanding work environment, has long been criticized for its exploitative practices. The proposed longer workweeks have only added fuel to the fire, with many employees feeling that they are being asked to sacrifice their personal lives for the sake of their careers.
The protest is not just limited to Bengaluru, with several other IT cities in Karnataka also witnessing similar protests. The Karnataka IT Employees’ Federation (KITEF) has also called for a statewide protest against the proposed longer workweeks.
The protests have also received support from several employee unions and advocacy groups, who have called for better working conditions and a more humane approach to work. “We demand a better work-life balance and an end to exploitative practices,” said a representative from the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC).
In conclusion, the protest by IT employees in Bengaluru against the proposed longer workweeks is a clear indication of the growing discontent among employees towards exploitative work practices. The burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan sends a strong message to policymakers and corporate leaders that employees will no longer tolerate such practices.
As the debate continues, it is essential for policymakers and corporate leaders to listen to the concerns of employees and work towards creating a more humane and sustainable work environment. The Indian IT industry, which is known for its innovative spirit and talent pool, can no longer afford to ignore the well-being of its employees.
