IT workers strike back at exploitative firms

In Mounting discontent leads IT workers to strike back at firms that exploit them Tom Kaneshige writes:

Layoffs, cost-cutting, outsourcing and incompetent managers have pushed IT professionals over the edge

He says many companies are totally dependent on their information technology, yet many tech workers toil in lean staffs, face unrealistic expectations and worry daily about job security.

The story goes on to spell out the devastating consequences of this:

In times like these, many employees hoard critical knowledge to protect their jobs. But IT workers can do more damage than withhold critical information or let it become lost when they leave. Tech workers have a unique advantage: They have access to all sorts of sensitive information and systems they could use as a trump card.

While nothing justifies law-breaking, companies who exploit and abuse staff have only themselves to blame when matters boil over.

Treating workers badly is not just morally wrong, it's downright stupid. Mistreating knowledge workers is like a corporate death wish. The answer isn't taking greater security measures, it is basic management.