In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote work became a norm, allowing professionals to execute their duties from virtually any corner of the globe. The permanence of this arrangement, however, faced a turning tide as businesses, including industry giant TCS (Tata Consultancy Services), initiated a return-to-office movement.
Return to Office, or Relocate: TCS’s New Ultimatum
TCS, in a recent development, has gone beyond recalling its employees to the office. The IT behemoth has issued a directive requiring its workforce to relocate to new destinations within a mere 15-day timeframe. Failure to comply with this directive may result in disciplinary action against the non-compliant employees.
Over 2,000 TCS Employees Face Abrupt Transfers
We have received evidence that clearly showcases this forced relocation order: A significant number—over 2,000—TCS employees have received transfer notices, mandating them to move to different locations within the stipulated two-week window. Notably, TCS has assured coverage for travel and accommodation expenses associated with the mandatory relocations. However, those who resist the move risk facing disciplinary repercussions.
Outcry and Resistance from Employees
Expressing their discontent with the abrupt directives, approximately 180 TCS employees reached out to NITES (National Information Technology Employees Senate), citing the lack of proper notice and consultation. This sudden relocation, they claim, has caused “immense hardship for employees and their families.”
IT Union Files Formal Complaint
In response to the employee outcry, the IT Union has taken action on behalf of the affected workforce. A formal complaint has been lodged against TCS, accusing the company of engaging in “unethical transfer practices.” The complaint has been filed with the Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking intervention and resolution for the aggrieved employees.
Harpreet Singh Saluja, President, Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate NITES said,
“Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour and Employment against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for its unethical transfer practices. NITES has received more than 180 complaints that TCS has been systematically forcing more than 2000 employees to transfer to different cities without proper notice or consultation, causing immense hardship for them and their families. The company has threatened the employees that failure to comply with the transfer directions will result in disciplinary actions. The company is ignoring all the financial hardship, family disruption, stress and anxiety that these forced transfers cause to employees.
We are deeply concerned about the unethical transfer practices of Tata Consultancy Services. TCS is putting its employees through unnecessary hardship and is violating their rights. We have urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate TCS’s actions and take appropriate measures to protect IT workers from such unethical practices.
NITES has requested the Ministry of Labour and Employment to:
- Investigate TCS’s transfer practices to determine if they are in violation of labor laws.
2.Take appropriate action against TCS if it is found to be violating labor laws.
3.Formulate new policies and regulations to protect IT workers from unethical transfer practices.
We believe that all IT workers deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. We will continue to fight for the rights of IT workers and ensure that they are not subjected to unethical practices such as forced transfers.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
