Post retrenchments in the IT industry, the labour department offices have been flooded with petitions submitted by distressed employees. On Sept 15, the Telangana labour department head office in Hyderabad turned into a protest venue. Accusing the companies of delaying deliberations, the complainants who were affected due to the layoffs, raised slogans and staged a sit-in protest. With the support of Forum for IT Professionals, a voluntary organisation working for the welfare of software employees, around 50 members prevailed upon the labour department officials to put pressure on the companies.
“Fresh set of petitions were filed in the last two weeks. The labour department had issued notices to the concerned IT companies to come for consultations. The managements of these companies requested for more time and the labour officials granted it. On one side the lives of the employees are at stake and on the other side, the companies are using various tactics to delay the process,” said Praveen Chandrahas, member of Forum for IT Professionals.
As various complainants made their way to the labour office, the representatives of the companies sought three weeks time to respond to the allegations and also be part of the deliberations. The agitated employees immediately protested for more than an hour. The labour officials intervened and promised that instead of three weeks, only one week will be given to the companies.
“The government officials should be on our side. We are the victims and the companies have terminated us illegally. It is frustrating to see the casual approach of the labour officials. They are indirectly helping the companies get away with violations,” said a former team lead of a multinational company.
The protestors plan to intensify their campaign in the coming weeks to ensure justice for employees who were terminated in an unjust manner.
