"Disabled Man in India Fired for Refusing to Work Overtime"

 

A disabled worker in India was dismissed from his job for refusing to work overtime. He was instructed to work an additional 20 hours per week, and when he declined, he was fired.

The man shared his experience on social media, posting on the popular "Antiwork" subreddit on Reddit. His story sparked discussions about workplace conditions and the current job market in India, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Last month, a 26-year-old woman in India died by suicide just four months after joining a multinational company. Her parents claimed that excessive work pressure drove her to take her own life. Now, the dismissal of a disabled man for refusing to work overtime has brought further attention to the issue.

The man, who chose to remain anonymous, claimed he worked for a mid-tier advertising agency where his superiors had been pressuring him for a long time to take on extra work. He was frequently compared to other employees who, according to him, earned nearly three times his salary. Recently, he was instructed to work an additional 20 hours a week, but when he refused, he was let go on the grounds that he was "not a good fit" for the company.

In his post, the man expressed that he no longer feels troubled by his termination. Instead, he feels as though a heavy burden has been lifted from his shoulders. He also stated that he didn’t feel much regret about losing his job, as his colleagues never became like "family" to him.

His story has since gone viral on Indian social media, with many users reacting to his situation. One user commented that the working environment in tech-related jobs is toxic. Another expressed sympathy, saying, "It’s sad that he is going through this tough time. I hope he finds a new job and the respect he deserves soon."

Recently, India's former minister and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the culture of overwork in the country. He noted that, like Japan, Indian society operates on a hierarchical structure where respect for authority is highly valued. This cultural expectation makes it difficult for workers to challenge unreasonable demands from their superiors.

Tharoor believes that addressing the issue of excessive work in India requires a multifaceted approach. Companies should promote mental health awareness, encourage open communication, and create supportive work environments as part of the solution.