Hyderabad IT Professional Sacked After Challenging 16-Hour Workdays at US MNC
In a distressing case that underscores the pervasive issue of workplace exploitation in India's technology sector, a Hyderabad-based techie was terminated from his position after complaining about excessively long working hours and unpaid overtime. The incident has reignited concerns about the enforcement of labor laws and the power imbalance between multinational corporations and their employees.
Fourteen Years of Service Ends Abruptly Over Overtime Dispute
Sridhar Merugu, a 45-year-old IT professional with 14 years of service at a US-based multinational corporation, found himself abruptly laid off in September 2025. His termination came merely a week after he formally raised grievances about being forced to work nearly 16 hours a day without appropriate compensation. The company dismissed his request for overtime wages before proceeding to sack him, which Merugu asserts was directly linked to his refusal to work under what he describes as "unlawful conditions."
The former employee detailed how he was pushed to work even during sick days and was denied allowances for late-night and early-morning shifts. He revealed to The Times of India that for approximately three to four months, resource shortages compelled him to work continuously for more than 16 hours daily. "It is impossible to physically or mentally work for so many hours," Merugu stated. "Also, when companies charge clients by the hour, why shouldn't employees be paid accordingly?"
Legal Recourse and Systemic Failures in Labor Protection
Following his termination, Merugu approached both the National Human Rights Commission and the Telangana labor department to file complaints against the company for violating labor laws. His case highlights a troubling pattern where employees in the organized sector often find themselves at the mercy of corporate giants, with little effective redressal when their rights are infringed upon.
This incident is not isolated but rather symptomatic of a broader culture of exploitation within the tech industry. Employees frequently face pressure to work overtime without compensation, often under the threat of termination if they resist. Santosh Kumar, another IT employee with nearly three decades of experience, corroborated this sentiment, noting that unpaid work on weekends and holidays has become commonplace, especially post-pandemic. "Many are working for over 18 hours a day. The work culture has deteriorated, and there is no job security," Kumar lamented.
The Growing Clash Between Work Demands and Employee Well-being
Merugu's complaint arrives at a critical juncture when discussions about work-life balance are gaining momentum across India. The youth are increasingly prioritizing mental and physical health over burnout, setting boundaries to disconnect from work. This shift stands in stark contrast to last year's controversial recommendation by Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy for a 72-hour work week, which sparked widespread debate.
Despite growing awareness, companies continue to exploit employees by citing resource shortages or budgetary constraints to justify excessive overtime. Kumar pointed out that while management, team leaders, and employees are often aware of these practices, many choose to turn a blind eye, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation.
Merugu is now actively lobbying against his former employer for pending overtime dues, statutory interest, and penalties. His case serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for stronger enforcement of labor regulations and greater accountability within multinational corporations operating in India.
