IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The recent statement made by Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, suggesting longer workweeks for IT employees, has sparked outrage among the IT community in Bengaluru. In a bold move, employees of the IT sector, affiliated with the Karnataka IT Unions (KITU), took to the streets to protest against the exploitative work practices proposed by the two industry leaders.
On Tuesday, a group of IT employees gathered at the Town Hall in Bengaluru, where they burnt effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan as a symbol of their discontent. The protest, which was organized by KITU, was a strong statement against the proposed 70-hour and 90-hour workweeks, respectively, that Murthy and Subrahmanyan had suggested.
According to reports, the police tried to intervene and stop the protesters from burning the effigies, but the employees remained resolute in their stand. The protest was a peaceful one, with no reports of any violence or damage to property.
Murthy had sparked controversy earlier this month when he suggested that IT employees should be willing to work longer hours, up to 70 hours a week, to increase productivity and competitiveness. His statement was met with widespread criticism from employees and industry experts, who argued that such a move would lead to burnout and negatively impact employee morale.
Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), followed suit by suggesting that employees should be willing to work up to 90 hours a week. His statement was seen as an extension of Murthy’s proposal, and the IT community was quick to react.
The protest organized by KITU was a united response to the proposals made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The union’s president, Suresh Kumar, was quoted as saying, “We strongly condemn the statements made by Narayana Murthy and SN Subrahmanyan. They are trying to exploit our hard work and dedication for their own benefit.”
Kumar added, “We will not compromise on our working hours and work-life balance. We demand that our employers prioritize our well-being and provide a healthy work environment.”
The protest was attended by hundreds of IT employees from various companies, who came together to express their solidarity with the cause. The event was marked by slogans and placards, with employees demanding fair treatment and respect from their employers.
The IT industry has been facing a crisis in recent years, with employees complaining of long working hours, lack of job security, and poor work-life balance. The proposals made by Murthy and Subrahmanyan have only added fuel to the fire, and the IT community is now more united than ever in its fight against exploitative work practices.
The incident highlights the growing discontent among IT employees in Bengaluru, who are demanding better working conditions and fair compensation. The protest is a wake-up call for the industry, which must recognize the value of its employees and prioritize their well-being.
In conclusion, the burning of effigies by IT employees in Bengaluru is a powerful statement against the exploitative work practices proposed by Murthy and Subrahmanyan. The IT community will continue to fight for its rights, and the industry must take heed of the demands made by its employees.
