Bengaluru: IT professionals protest over long work hours, demand 'right to disconnect'

The IT-BT workforce in Silicon City has taken to the streets once again, protesting against the proposed extension of work hours. Hundreds of tech employees gathered at Freedom Park, voicing strong opposition to increasing the workday to 14 hours. Protesters also slammed Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s statement, which suggested a 70-hour work week, calling it unrealistic and exploitative.

Also Read: Narayana Murthy defends 70-hour workweek, urges hard work for India’s growth

Employees from various IT companies participated in the demonstration, demanding that current work hours remain unchanged. Many employees already work 9-10 hours a day, leading to high mental stress. They argued that longer work hours would affect their health and personal lives.

Ritwik, an IT professional, voiced his frustration, saying, "We are being asked to work beyond specified hours. We are forced to go home late. The work culture is getting destroyed. In the name of the company’s growth, we are being forced to endure long hours. We want the right to disconnect."

One of the key demands raised during the protest was the implementation of the Right to Disconnect policy. Protesters insisted that employees should not be forced to work beyond their shift, and companies should refrain from contacting them after office hours for meetings or additional work.

Braving the scorching sun, IT employees sent a strong message to both the government and corporate leaders, urging them to prioritize employee well-being over excessive work expectations.