Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has received a summons from the Labour Commissioner in Pune after several months of alleged job terminations linked to its plan to reduce its workforce by around 2%. The development follows growing concerns over abrupt exits reported across the IT industry, particularly from employees at India’s largest software services company.
Why NITES Filed Complaints Against TCS
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), an IT workers’ union, submitted multiple complaints to labour authorities, prompting the summons. According to NITES, employees across various TCS locations reported forced resignations, sudden terminations, denial of statutory dues, and coercive employment practices.
In a statement on X, NITES said it had reviewed documentation from affected employees before helping them file official complaints. It noted that the Labour Commissioner’s action reinforces that employers are legally obligated to follow due process and cannot violate established labour laws. A hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2025.
India’s IT Sector Faces “Silent Layoffs”
The situation at TCS reflects broader turbulence within India’s tech sector. As per recent reports, the country’s top six IT firms added only 952 employees net in Q2FY26—a steep 77% drop from the previous quarter. The decline is largely attributed to TCS’s downsizing, while the other five companies collectively hired over 20,000 people.
Experts warn that “silent layoffs” are rising across the industry, with more than 50,000 employees expected to be pushed out this year alone. Many firms are reportedly pressuring employees to resign quietly or look for internal roles without formally acknowledging layoffs.
Between 2023 and 2024, nearly 25,000 such exits occurred, and projections indicate that the number may double in 2025 as automation, cost pressures, and AI adoption reshape workforce needs.
NITES Urges Employees to Assert Their Rights
NITES encouraged more affected employees to come forward, stating:
“If you have experienced wrongful termination, forced resignation, non-payment of dues, or any form of coercion or unfair treatment, you have legal protections.”
The union added that filing formal grievances is key to ensuring accountability and safeguarding worker rights. NITES reaffirmed its commitment to assisting IT and ITES employees who need help with complaints or legal remedies.
