Bengaluru IT Employees Protest Against Long Work Hours, Burn Posters of Infosys and L&T Executives
In a bold demonstration against grueling work schedules and poor work-life balance, IT professionals in Bengaluru took to the streets, demanding fair treatment from their employers. The protest, organized by the Karnataka State IT/ITES Employees Union, took place at Freedom Park on Sunday and witnessed a dramatic act of defiance—protesters burnt posters of Infosys Co-Founder NR Narayana Murthy and L&T CEO SN Subrahmanyan.
Rising Discontent Among IT Professionals
The Indian IT industry, known for its rigorous work culture, has been under fire for enforcing excessively long work hours without adequate compensation. Employees argue that these conditions are unsustainable, affecting both mental and physical well-being. The recent controversy ignited when NR Narayana Murthy suggested that young professionals should work 70-hour weeks to boost productivity—sparking outrage across the sector.
Similarly, L&T CEO SN Subrahmanyan's stance on extended work hours has drawn criticism, with employees voicing their concerns over burnout and a diminishing work-life balance. The discontent reached its peak when demonstrators set fire to their posters, symbolizing their frustration with corporate policies that prioritize profits over people.
A Call for Work-Life Balance
The protestors, comprising employees from various IT firms, demanded strict regulations on overtime and better enforcement of labor laws. Many shared personal stories of missing family time, dealing with mental health struggles, and experiencing declining productivity due to exhaustion.
“We are not against working hard, but we need fair compensation and reasonable working hours,” said one protester. “The current expectations are inhumane.”
(The above image is Ai generated , used for reference)
Industry-Wide Debate
The protest has sparked widespread debate within the IT sector, with some defending Murthy’s and Subrahmanyan’s viewpoints as necessary for India's economic growth. However, employees argue that such expectations are unrealistic and detrimental in the long run. Experts suggest that companies should focus on efficiency and innovation rather than increasing work hours to achieve higher output.
What’s Next?
The Karnataka IT/ITES Employees Union has vowed to continue its fight for fair labor practices and is urging government intervention to regulate work hours more strictly. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether IT giants will acknowledge these concerns and take steps to foster a more balanced work environment.
This protest marks a crucial moment in the Indian IT industry, shedding light on the urgent need for policies that support both productivity and employee well-being. Will the voices of these IT professionals lead to a significant shift in corporate culture, or will the pressure to work long hours persist? Only time will tell.
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