The Karnataka IT union also called for strict enforcement of daily working hour limits, an end to the IT sector’s exemption from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, and action against rampant labour law violations in the industry.
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Braving the scorching heat and even as the country was engrossed in the intense final match between India and New Zealand, hundreds of tech workers gathered at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park on Sunday, March 9, with the demand for a healthy work-life balance. The event was organised by the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU).
Holding red flags and placards bearing messages such as ‘We are not your slaves’ and ‘A healthy work-life balance is every employee’s right,’ the protesting workers demanded legal protection against after-hours work demands—an issue that has already gained legal recognition in countries such as Australia, France, and Spain.
The union also demanded strict enforcement of daily working hour limits, the removal of the IT sector’s exemption from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, and action against widespread labor law violations in the industry.
Speaking at the protest, KITU member and IT worker Aswin pointed out the informal pressures employees face when they choose not to respond to work-related calls or messages outside office hours.
“Work doesn’t end when we log off—there’s always an expectation to be available. If you don’t respond to messages after hours, you risk being seen as uncooperative or less committed. This constant pressure takes a toll on our mental health and personal lives,” Aswin said.
Another union member, Ram, stressed the importance of collective worker action, noting that legal measures alone would not be enough.
“If employees do not unite, even the best laws will remain unenforced,” he stated.
KITU Vice-President Rashmi Choudhary pointed out that the culture of long working hours disproportionately affects women in the IT industry, many of whom are forced to leave their jobs due to unsustainable work-life expectations.
“We already work 14-16 hours a day, and then return home to unpaid labour. When corporate leaders advocate for 70-hour workweeks, it’s a clear signal of what they intend to normalise. If the government doesn’t intervene, this will become our reality,” Rashmi said, referring to recent remarks by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan, both of whom had suggested that Indian employees must work longer hours to boost productivity.
Police attempt to stop protest
As a symbolic act of dissent, protestors attempted to burn the effigies of Narayana Murthy and SN Subrahmanyan. However, the Bengaluru police prevented them, leading to a mild altercation between the union members and the authorities.
After minutes of intense sloganeering and heated exchanges, the union convinced the police that burning the placards was a symbolic protest, and well within their democratic rights. The protest continued, with KITU General Secretary Suhas Adiga condemning the toxic work culture in the IT sector and calling for immediate government intervention.
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