The National Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has submitted a formal complaint to the Labour Ministry over what it describes as prolonged and opaque onboarding delays by Wipro. The union alleges that a large batch of selected candidates has been left without definitive joining dates, job status, or written communication despite completing required assessments and paperwork.
Complaint Highlights Delays for Freshers and Laterals
According to the filing, both fresh graduates and lateral hires have been waiting for several months after receiving offer letters. Many reportedly turned down other opportunities or placed career plans on hold due to the assumption of confirmed employment. The complaint argues that companies should not extend offers without intent and ability to onboard within a reasonable timeframe.
NITES argues that the delays create financial and emotional distress for candidates, particularly freshers facing relocation, loan, or upskilling expenses without income, as well as lateral hires who resigned from existing positions based on offer acceptance.
Request for Government Intervention
The union has asked the Labour Ministry to conduct an inquiry into Wipro’s hiring commitments and to direct the company to either:
- Provide firm written joining dates
- Compensate affected candidates for losses incurred
- Formally cancel offers to release candidates from uncertainty
The complaint frames the issue as one of labour fairness and contract clarity, noting that delayed onboarding practices have become more visible across the IT sector during the economic and demand slowdown of 2024–2026.
Broader Context in Indian IT Hiring
The dispute comes amid reduced headcount growth across major Indian IT firms, many of which have shifted toward AI-driven delivery, reduced bench strength, and selective hiring. Several companies paused fresher intake after 2022 and 2023 hiring cycles produced excess talent pools.
Industry experts note that delayed onboarding was once rare in the sector but has become more common during downturns. Unions argue this amounts to risk transfer from employers to prospective employees, who absorb economic uncertainty without formal employment benefits.
Wipro Yet to Issue Formal Clarification
As of now, Wipro has not issued a detailed public clarification addressing the allegations raised in the complaint. The case underscores the growing visibility of labour unions in India’s technology sector and the emerging push to define candidate rights in pre-employment stages.
