'Wanting To Be New Age Slave Drivers': Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams L&T Chief's 90-Hour Work Week Remark

Last Updated:January 10, 2025, 17:04 IST

Chaturvedi described his statement as “misogynistic” and accused Subrahmanyan of attempting to turn employers into “new age slave drivers”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi. (PTI file photo)

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday strongly criticised Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s recent remarks calling for a 90-hour work week.

Chaturvedi called his statement as “misogynistic" and accused Subrahmanyan of attempting to turn employers into “new age slave drivers".

She posted her comments on social media platform X, reacting to the widespread controversy sparked by Subrahmanyan’s statements.

“Besides being misogynistic, this statement reeks of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India," Chaturvedi wrote in her post.

What is the controversy about?

In a video that circulated online, Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should be willing to work extended hours, even on Sundays. He questioned how long one could “stare at your wife" and expressed regret that he could not mandate Sunday work, stating, “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays."

These comments have sparked outrage, with many arguing that they promote an unhealthy work culture and undermine the importance of work-life balance. Many have also raised concerns about the impact on employees’ mental health and personal relationships.

The backlash mirrors similar comments made by Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, who also suggested a demanding 70-hour workweek for young employees.

In response to the controversy, L&T issued a statement defending Subrahmanyan’s remarks. The company stressed its dedication to nation-building, stating that “extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort."

“At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation," an L&T spokesperson stated.

ALSO READ: ‘Extraordinary Outcomes Require…": L&T Defends Chairman’s Remark On 90-Hour Work Week

News india 'Wanting To Be New Age Slave Drivers': Priyanka Chaturvedi Slams L&T Chief's 90-Hour Work Week Remark