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Viral video shows alleged Byju's employee in heated argument with seniors over pay

Amrutha PagadJuly 24, 2023 | 10:13 IST

Byju's is yet to recover from its crisis, but the company's struggles have been hard on the employees as well. In the latest, a video is going viral on social media of a purported Byju's employee losing her cool against her senior colleagues over alleged non-payment of incentives and pay. 

In the video, a female employee is seen engaged in a heated argument with her seniors in front of her other colleagues, as another films the altercation. The seniors are also seen asking the employee to air her concerns privately, which she initially refuses to do as she claims to have complained several times in vain. 

I am screaming because I am going mad...
- Woman in viral video is heard saying

The woman is also heard saying that she received only Rs 2,000 as part of her final settlement even after working for some 12 months. While the entire issue isn't clear from the video, the argument is seemingly regarding incentive-related matters. 

DailyO has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the video. 

Reactions

  • Several people on Twitter reacted to the video in comments pointing out the toxic work culture persisting at several start-up companies including at Byju's. 
  • One Twitter user commented that most IT companies in India exploit their employees by forcing them to work long hours, with minimum breaks and don't even give any bonuses or incentives. 

  • Another Twitter user claiming to be a Byju's employee said that many are under immense pressure due to the lack of job security. 

  • Others said that it is better to look for another job instead of burning bridges. 

Byju's town hall

  • Byju's has been accused of holding back incentives and variable pay of employees for several months as it struggles with a massive debt repayment and other regulatory issues. 
  • There have also been several rounds of layoffs at the company
  • However, in an emergency town hall meeting on July 22, Byju's promised to remit variable pay and other incentives that were held back and also said that they wouldn't be laying off any employee from Byju's Tuition Centre (BTC). 
  • Reports said that the unplanned town hall meeting was scheduled to evade protests by BTC employees planned for July 25. However, Byju's spokesperson refuted the claims. 

On the other hand, the Edtech firm has temporarily agreed to a debt restructuring plan with its US lenders over the $1.2 billion Term B loan.

If Byju's and its lenders agree to new terms and conditions on the loan, the Edtech firm will likely get relief from the creditors demanding hefty interest repayment. Lawsuits in the US against Byju's and the lenders are also likely to be resolved. 

[ALSO READ: Insecurity, long hours, false promises: A Byju's ex-employee spills the beans on its toxic work culture]

Last updated: July 24, 2023 | 10:13
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