Tech Employee Takes Stand Against 16-Hour Workdays in Hyderabad

A former tech employee has filed a complaint with the Telangana labour department against a major multinational corporation, alleging forced 16-hour workdays over his 14-year tenure. Sridhar Merugu claims the company ignored his requests for overtime pay and terminated him in retaliation for raising the issue. He describes a toxic culture where exceeding the legal 40-hour work week has become the norm, leaving many to suffer in silence.

Merugu's case highlights a growing crisis in India's tech sector, where employees routinely work weekends and late nights without compensation. As industry leaders advocate for longer hours, employees like Merugu are pushing back, demanding fair treatment and adherence to labour laws. The ongoing debate over work-life balance intensifies as professionals call for accountability from their employers.