IT Workers Rally in Bengaluru, Demand Healthy Work-Life Balance and Fair Labor Practices

Over 100 IT professionals gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday, voicing their concerns about the lack of work-life balance in the tech industry. Organized by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), the protest aimed to counter recent statements by industry leaders advocating for 70 to 90-hour workweeks. Workers emphasized the toll of long hours on their physical and mental health, calling for stricter enforcement of labor laws and fair compensation for overtime.

The protest was a direct response to remarks made by Infosys Chairman Emeritus Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman S N Subrahmanyan, advocating longer working hours. KITU members argued that longer hours do not equate to higher productivity and instead lead to burnout and health issues.

“The hard reality is that IT industry leaders are profiting from the dollar exchange rate while squeezing workers. Despite decades of growth, the industry remains service-oriented rather than evolving into a product giant,” said Vasanthraj, a KITU advisor. He expressed disappointment at the turnout, stating that Bengaluru’s status as a tech hub warranted a larger gathering to amplify their demands.

Suhas Adiga, General Secretary of KITU, highlighted the detrimental effects of the industry’s intense work culture. “Studies show that over 70% of IT employees in India face mental health issues due to long working hours. Companies are extending work hours beyond statutory limits without compensating for overtime,” he said.

The union has been actively pushing for reforms, including the enforcement of daily working hour limits, an end to the IT sector’s exemption from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, and the implementation of a “right to disconnect” policy. Despite submitting a memorandum to the Labour Minister in March 2024, the union claims no concrete action has been taken to address their concerns.

Ram Kumar, a KITU member, stressed the need for a sustainable work environment. “We love our jobs, but working long hours without time for family or health is unsustainable. All we ask for is a healthy balance,” he said.

The protest underscores a growing demand for change in the IT sector, where employees are often expected to work beyond official hours, including weekends, without additional pay. As the industry continues to grow, workers are calling for policies that prioritize their well-being and ensure fair labor practices.