IT and ITES Democratic Employees Association (IIDEA), a democratic and progressive organization affiliated to AICCTU. We are engaged in taking up issues of tech and non-tech workers in the technology and digital sector, including IT, ITEs, BPOs, E-commerce, Fintech, Digital marketing and any other workers working in non-tech sector using technology..
About Us
FAQs for IT/ITES WORKERS
The IT and ITES Democratic Employees Association (IIDEA) is a membership-based trade union of IT and ITES employees. We fight for the rights and demands of both tech and non-tech workers in this sector.
The IT and ITES sector is increasingly plagued by issues such as illegal layoffs, rising workloads, extended working hours, and the misuse of tools like Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) and benching to target employees.
A recent survey revealed that a staggering 45% of Indian tech employees experience stress and depression. Around 43% report health issues related to work, with long working hours being a major contributing factor. Over 50% of tech employees in India work an average of 52.5 hours per week, significantly higher than the national average of 47.7 hours.
Meanwhile, state governments are pushing for laws that increase working hours, and the central government has already passed four labour codes that replace existing labour laws. These new codes threaten to take away the few remaining hard-earned rights of the working class, including those of IT and ITES workers.
In this context where working conditions are deteriorating and both central and state governments are becoming increasingly anti-worker, we are left with no choice but to unite and resist. Unionizing is the only effective way for workers to counter anti-worker policies, hold management accountable, and fight for better working conditions.
As we can all agree, strength lies in unity. A union empowers employees by giving them a collective voice, one that is far stronger than any individual voice alone. By joining a union, employees gain the power of collective bargaining — the ability to negotiate wages, working conditions, benefits, and job security with the backing of a unified group. This collective power helps balance the scales against the often disproportionate authority held by management.
A. Workers Rights While Joining Employment
- Stable permanent employment
- Maximum notice period of 1 month — mentioned in appointment letters
- Immediately stop employment bonds
- Equitable hiring and career growth
B. Workers Rights During the Course of Employment
- Wages:
- Minimum wages of ₹41,000
- Increment of minimum 20%
- Adequate HRA with respect to city of residence
- Salary disclosure
- Working Hours:
- Reduction of work hours to 30 hours per week, with 10 hrs/week for upskilling
- Overtime work to be paid twice the original rate
- Right to disconnect post working hours
Yes, IIDEA, as a union, supports individual workers in addressing violations of their rights and provides them with legal and organisational support. While we support individual cases, we are not a legal consultancy; we are a union, working to build the collective, long-term strength of workers and the working class in the IT/ITeS sector.
IIDEA defines IT/ITeS workers broadly to include both tech and non-tech employees across the digital and consulting economy, including those in IT services, IT-enabled services (ITES), BPOs, e-commerce, fintech, digital marketing, platform-based gig work, and related sectors. We work for workers broadly under the IT and IT-enabled services sector for organising and collective rights.
Yes, unionising is a fundamental legal right in India, protected by the Constitution and labour laws. Workers have the freedom to form and join unions under constitutional provisions, while specific statutes ensure their recognition and functioning. Courts have consistently upheld this right, preventing unfair retaliation against union members.
These safeguards exist to empower employees, ensuring fair wages, job security, and collective bargaining power. Unionising isn’t just allowed, it’s a democratic right designed to balance workplace equity.
While it is great that your company treats you well today, remember that workplace conditions are not guaranteed to remain favorable indefinitely. Economic downturns, leadership changes, or shifts in corporate priorities can quickly erode the benefits and protections you currently enjoy.
The Union isn’t just about addressing grievances—it’s about securing your future. By joining the Union, you gain collective bargaining power, ensuring that your rights, wages, and benefits are not left to the discretion of management but are instead protected through legally enforceable agreements.
IIDEA is affiliated to All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), one of only 12 centrally recognised trade unions. Affiliation with a central trade union provides the union with greater influence and support in representing workers’ interests in the IT/ITeS sector as part of the larger working class.
It increases collective bargaining power, as the central trade union has greater influence and negotiation power with employers and government bodies. Central trade unions have a stronger voice in political matters affecting workers’ rights and benefits, which helps amplify the concerns of a particular sector trade union.
Affiliation also fosters solidarity among different unions, which is crucial for raising disputes and framing policies for better working conditions. Additionally, it enhances legitimacy and recognition in the eyes of employers and government bodies.
Our Union can handle a wide range of workplace-related issues, including:
- Unfair dismissals or forceful resignation
- Harassment and discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, etc.
- Mass layoffs
- Disputes relating to compensation and benefits
- Disputes relating to bonds in the IT sector
- Disputes relating to non-issuance of experience and release letters during termination/resignation
The Union also helps in negotiating collective bargaining agreements.