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White-collar jobs but hours are blue-collar

We often hear IT workers and investment bankers complaining about their workload, but it’s a compromise many are willing to make to get a good salary.

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We often hear IT workers and investment bankers complaining about their workload, but it’s a compromise many are willing to make to get a good salary.

Also, the fact that the Constitution has defined labour laws only for blue-collar workers does not make it easy for employees in the corporate sector. “There is no law to govern white-collar employees. Usually, the terms and conditions are mentioned in the appointment letter. I don’t think anything regarding timings is mentioned,” said Sampath Kumar, secretary general, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC). He added that employees seldom lodge complaints.

Experts noted that complaints are general in nature. It is confined to cribbing about work to family and friends. “I know people who complain about their timings all the time, but the moment they are asked to seek a law, they backtrack,” said an HR consultant.

Also, in Bangalore, the IT hub of the country, there is no place for such laws. “IT companies do not believe in the concept of labour unions. Even the basic labour law, which is applicable to blue-collar workers in other industries, does not hold good here,” said Kumar.

Why isn’t there a demand for such a law? “You are paid a high salary. Also, there are other benefits involved like free lunch or dinner,” said FKCCI president JR Bangera, adding that the work culture in India differs from that of the West. “In the US, the concept of working weekends is non-existent. However, in China, a 12-hour work regime is in place. Workers seldom complain despite the fact that their productivity is better than Indian workers.”

Also, the fear of losing the job is a deterrent. “What is the point in complaining? The company’s laws may still remain the same, but I will end up in the bad books of my boss. It is better to continue the way things are as long as I am getting my salary,” said an employee from an MNC investment bank.

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