🔥 TCS Layoffs Spark Nationwide Protests: Unions Warn of 30,000 Job Cuts
A wave of protests erupted across major Indian cities as the Union of IT & ITES Employees (UNITE) rallied against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), alleging mass layoffs that could impact up to 30,000 employees. The demonstrations, backed by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), mark one of the largest coordinated actions against a private IT firm in recent years.
Layoffs Target Mid and Senior-Level Staff
According to UNITE, TCS has begun retrenching mid- and senior-level employees, replacing them with freshers hired at significantly lower salaries—reportedly 80–85% less. While TCS maintains that the layoffs affect only 2% of its global workforce (around 12,000 employees), union leaders claim the actual number could be much higher.
“The only common factor among those affected is experience,” said Chandra Shekar Azad, UNITE’s Joint Secretary. “Even employees with proven leadership credentials are being let go.”
Protests and Public Outcry
Protesters gathered outside TCS offices in Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, holding placards that read “Chief of Cruelty” and “Corporate Greed.” UNITE also warned of global action if the government fails to intervene.
“TCS is retrenching workers not out of necessity, but for profit,” read a UNITE statement. “This is an attack on job security across the IT sector.”
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) echoed concerns, stating that the layoffs would cause “psychological, financial, and emotional distress” to thousands of employees burdened with EMIs and family responsibilities.
Company Response: Strategic Realignment
TCS responded by calling the union’s claims “incorrect and misleading.” In a statement, the company said the layoffs are part of a strategic realignment to become a “future-ready organization,” with investments in AI, new markets, and workforce redeployment.
“We are offering outplacement services, counselling, and support to affected employees,” the company said.
Call for Government Intervention
UNITE has urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate the layoffs and enforce fair employment practices. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stated it is closely monitoring the situation.
1 thought on “TCS Layoffs Protests: Unions Warn of 30,000 Job Cuts”