Sir,
I logged a computer help desk report today after the auto update system deleted my sound card. I was annoyed with my computer and irritated when the India based call-taker misheard what I was saying. He apologised saying he had been on at work very early today.
We continued the call and I casually asked what time he had started in the morning. He went on to tell me they had stayed overnight in the office due to a national strike in India. He had started at 5am, it was now 1pm and although he was due to finish at 6pm they didn’t know who was going to cover the night shift (they support our company 24/7) so may have to continue past the 13 hours he was already due to work.
Whilst I was waiting for my PC to reboot I asked more about the strike. It turns out that the government has increased fuel prices by a further 3.5 rupees ($0.07) per litre for the third time this year. There is a national strike in protest as the cost of food and public transport will also increase.
Our colleagues in India did not go home last night and have limited food today since there is no vehicle movement (even private cars are not allowed to travel), therefore there is no food being transported into the city. They do not know whether they have to save what food they do have for tomorrow as well.
There are two offices in India supporting our company, the second one is closed today, therefore our colleagues in Bangalore are covering the work of two offices whilst tired and probably pretty concerned .
Just as we were finishing up he heard an announcement internally to ask that anyone with the car in front of the office should move it around the back so the rioters did not know that the office was still functioning.
Whilst you may be annoyed that your computer is not working please give your best consideration to the men and women who are doing their best to support you in very trying circumstances. I would not have even known the pressure he was under if I had not asked.
So, a rise of 30 cents a gallon causes food shortages and rioting….. My thoughts and prayers are with my company colleagues that this problem may pass peacefully.
Kind regards, – Ian in Nanny State Britannia