Techies sleep on the job

Techies sleep on the job
By: Lavanya Srinivasan
Date: 2008-12-08

Bangalore:

With call centre cab drivers going on a strike, many employees of IT/BPO companies have decided to take the bus or stay on at work.

"It's going to be difficult but there's no other option and I'll be taking a bus until this strike is called off," says Ana Kumar, a BPO employee.

Infosys Technologies has asked for 50 additional BMTC buses and advised staff to make use of public transport and car pool.

"I've signed up for car-pooling, so I've no problem but there are a few of my colleagues who stay really far and can't afford to travel by buses. So, they will be staying back in the campus," says Sourabh Nath, software professional, J P Morgan.

Most of the companies have asked their employees to stay the night.

"If there's a bed and food, I don't mind staying back at work. I stay far and travelling by a bus would take too long. This is really annoying because no matter how much you hike their pay, this problem happens all the time," says Shoma Sarkar, customer care officer, 24/7.

Allowances

Infosys is giving employees an allowance to find accommodation within a 3-km radius and this has encouraged 20 per cent of its employees to do so.

"Initially, I thought I would take an off but now I shall find some place to stay close to the campus," says Jericho, an employee.

Pradeep Narayanan, chief infrastructure officer, Customer, said, "We have asked our employees to carpool and stay overnight in the office. We will provide them with a bed, bath and food facilities."

Overworked and underpaid

President of the State Cab Drivers' Association Nanjundaswamy said the drivers are overworked and underpaid.
"We want proper remuneration. While transport contractors are asked to pay Rs 10,000 to drivers, they are actually paid only Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000. There is no overtime allowance, provident fund, ESI, paid leave, no access to medical services and no prescribed time of work. Travel agents treat drivers like bonded labourers," he adds.