IT Employees Burn Murthy, L&T Chief’s Effigies for Proposing Longer Workweeks
The tech industry has been witnessing a growing sense of discontent among employees in recent times. In a shocking turn of events, IT employees in Bengaluru took to the streets to protest against exploitative work practices by burning effigies of two prominent industry leaders – Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The incident highlights the growing frustration among IT professionals who feel that they are being pushed to work longer hours without any corresponding increase in pay or benefits.
The protest was organized by KITU ( Karnataka IT/ITeS Union), an IT employees’ union in Karnataka. The union has been vocal about the issues faced by IT employees, including long working hours, lack of job security, and poor working conditions. The recent proposal by Murthy and Subrahmanyan to increase working hours further has only added fuel to the fire.
Murthy, the co-founder and former CEO of Infosys, had suggested that employees should work for 70 hours a week, claiming that this would help them to be more productive and efficient. Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), had gone one step further, suggesting that employees should work for 90 hours a week.
The proposal by Murthy and Subrahmanyan has been met with widespread criticism from IT employees, who feel that it is unrealistic and unfair. Many have argued that the suggestion is a clear attempt to exploit employees and increase profits for the companies.
The protest by KITU was attended by hundreds of IT employees who came out on the streets to express their outrage and discontent. Despite attempts by the Bengaluru Police to stop them, the employees were able to burn the effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan.
The incident highlights the growing sense of discontent among IT employees in India. The IT industry has been booming in recent years, with many companies reporting high profits and growth. However, the benefits of this growth have not been shared equally among all stakeholders. Many IT employees feel that they are being pushed to work longer hours without any corresponding increase in pay or benefits.
The situation is particularly dire for IT employees in Bengaluru, which is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India”. The city is home to many top IT companies, including Infosys, Wipro, and IBM. However, despite the boom in the IT industry, many IT employees in Bengaluru are struggling to make ends meet.
The protest by KITU is a clear indication that something needs to change. IT employees are demanding better working conditions, including a reduction in working hours, and an increase in pay and benefits. They are also demanding job security and an end to the exploitation of employees.
In recent times, there have been several instances of IT employees protesting against exploitative work practices. In 2020, IT employees in Bengaluru protested against the proposal by the Karnataka government to increase working hours for IT employees. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn following widespread opposition from IT employees.
The incident also highlights the growing divide between the haves and have-nots in the IT industry. While top executives and shareholders are reaping the benefits of the IT boom, many IT employees are struggling to make ends meet.
The Bengaluru Police have filed a case against the organizers of the protest, accusing them of vandalism and violence. However, the protest has also sparked a wider debate about the working conditions of IT employees in India.
In conclusion, the burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan by IT employees in Bengaluru is a clear indication of the growing discontent among IT professionals. The incident highlights the need for companies to rethink their approach to work and to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
The IT industry has a reputation for being one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors in the world. However, this reputation is built on the backs of hardworking employees who are often exploited and underpaid. It is time for companies to recognize the value of their employees and to take steps to improve their working conditions.
The incident also raises questions about the role of the government in protecting the rights of IT employees. The government has a responsibility to ensure that all employees in the country are treated fairly and with dignity. It is time for the government to take concrete steps to address the issues faced by IT employees and to ensure that they are protected from exploitation.
The burning of effigies of Murthy and Subrahmanyan by IT employees in Bengaluru is a wake-up call for the IT industry. It is time for companies to rethink their approach to work and to prioritize the well-being of their employees. The incident also highlights the need for the government to take concrete steps to address the issues faced by IT employees and to ensure that they are protected from exploitation.
