Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is facing criticism after reportedly planning to cut over 12,000 jobs — around 2% of its global staff.
While the company claims this is part of a shift toward automation, employees and unions say many of the exits are being forced, mainly affecting mid- and senior-level workers.
New Bench Policy Raises Concerns
The controversy grew after TCS introduced a new “Bench Policy” that limits the bench period — when employees are between projects — to just 35 days a year.
Workers say this new rule puts the full responsibility of finding projects on them. Previously, the bench period gave some job security.
Now, even employees on current projects are being marked as “non-critical” and asked to resign.
Claims of Pressure and Coercion
Several employees have reported being pressured to quit. Some said they were called into HR meetings, not allowed to leave, and told to turn off their phones.
Many accepted a three-month salary package to leave because they couldn’t afford to lose income. Others described the exit process as stressful and humiliating.
Union Response and Legal Action
The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) has filed a formal industrial dispute against TCS.
They claim the company broke the rules under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 by forcing employees to resign instead of going through the legal layoff process, which requires government approval.
The first round of talks on August 6 ended without a solution, and the next meeting is set for September 8.
Automation vs. Job Security
The IT & ITES Democratic Employees Association (IIDEA) criticized TCS’s reason for the layoffs, which is said to be part of “reskilling and redeployment.”
They argue that automation should improve employee well-being, not lead to job cuts.
They also raised concerns about TCS’s new rule requiring employees to work 225 billable days a year, which they believe will increase job insecurity.
Joining Delays Add to Worries
TCS has also delayed joining dates for many people who received offer letters, leaving them in a tough financial situation.
Unions and workers are calling on the company to focus on real reskilling programs, clearer policies, and better job protection, instead of making cost-saving decisions that damage employee trust.
