Collectivization in the It Industry an Indian Perspective
Collectivization in the IT Industry – An Indian Perspective
Authored By
Avinash Verma
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors wish to express their gratitude to Prof. Pranabesh Ray of XLRI, Jamshedpur for giving them the opportunity to do this project which is of tremendous significance in today’s industrial relations climate.
The authors also wish to thank Prof. E. M Rao and Prof. P.K Padhi of XLRI Jamshedpur whose valuable inputs on the legal aspects of this issue provided us with a sense of direction during the course of this project. We are also thankful to all the union leaders, IT employees and managers from various organizations who interacted with us and gave us valuable inputs.
ABSTRACT
The IT/ITES sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the Indian economy. While high salaries and the tech-savvy lifestyle of the IT workers does create a rosy picture, the ground realities are very different. The high stress levels among employees, long working hours and the lack of proper regulatory oversight are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the numerous problems that confront the IT sector. Exploitation of employees in the name of globalization and increased competition is rampant – this is one of the major reasons for the need of a trade union in the IT sector being acutely felt. There have been attempts at collectivization in this industry but due to the low acceptance of the idea, the reach of these unions have been limited. This report analyses the current climate of the IT industry in the context of collectivization and attempts to arrive at some suggestions which can help a Trade Union leader in raising union consciousness among the IT workers.
CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Methodology 6
Features of the Indian IT Industry – How long will the party last?! 7
Problems Faced by IT Workers 10
Labour Laws and the IT Industry 13
Unions in IT – What must they cater to? 15
Unions in IT and the Skilled Sector Abroad 16
Worker
Authored By
Avinash Verma
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors wish to express their gratitude to Prof. Pranabesh Ray of XLRI, Jamshedpur for giving them the opportunity to do this project which is of tremendous significance in today’s industrial relations climate.
The authors also wish to thank Prof. E. M Rao and Prof. P.K Padhi of XLRI Jamshedpur whose valuable inputs on the legal aspects of this issue provided us with a sense of direction during the course of this project. We are also thankful to all the union leaders, IT employees and managers from various organizations who interacted with us and gave us valuable inputs.
ABSTRACT
The IT/ITES sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the Indian economy. While high salaries and the tech-savvy lifestyle of the IT workers does create a rosy picture, the ground realities are very different. The high stress levels among employees, long working hours and the lack of proper regulatory oversight are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the numerous problems that confront the IT sector. Exploitation of employees in the name of globalization and increased competition is rampant – this is one of the major reasons for the need of a trade union in the IT sector being acutely felt. There have been attempts at collectivization in this industry but due to the low acceptance of the idea, the reach of these unions have been limited. This report analyses the current climate of the IT industry in the context of collectivization and attempts to arrive at some suggestions which can help a Trade Union leader in raising union consciousness among the IT workers.
CONTENTS
Introduction 5
Methodology 6
Features of the Indian IT Industry – How long will the party last?! 7
Problems Faced by IT Workers 10
Labour Laws and the IT Industry 13
Unions in IT – What must they cater to? 15
Unions in IT and the Skilled Sector Abroad 16
Worker