Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, is facing mounting employee unrest following the dismissal of over 12,000 staff members in recent months.
The layoffs, which reportedly include mid- and senior-level professionals, have sparked protests across multiple cities, with a major demonstration held outside the company’s Whitefield campus in Bengaluru on September 5, 2025.
The protest was organized by the IT & ITES Democratic Employees Association (IIDEA), which has accused TCS of forced resignations, lack of severance compensation, and exploitative workplace policies.
The union claims that many employees were pressured to choose between early retirement and termination, often with minimal notice and no financial support.
Controversial Deployment Policy Adds to Employee Grievances at TCS
In addition to layoffs, TCS has introduced a new deployment policy requiring employees to maintain 225 billable days annually.
IIDEA argues that this policy increases workload stress and creates uncertainty around job security, especially for those in bench roles or transitioning between projects.
The union contends that the policy prioritizes billing targets over employee well-being and fails to account for fluctuations in project availability.
Critics say it could disproportionately impact older employees and those in specialized roles, who may face longer gaps between assignments.
Delayed Onboarding Leaves New Hires in Limbo
The protests also highlighted concerns about recruitment practices.
Over 500 professionals who received offer letters with July 2025 joining dates are still awaiting onboarding.
Many of these candidates left previous jobs based on TCS’s commitments and now face financial instability and career uncertainty.
IIDEA has called on TCS to provide clarity and support to these individuals, urging the company to honor its hiring commitments and avoid leaving candidates stranded without income or direction.
Viral Reddit Post Amplifies Public Outrage Against TCS
Public attention intensified after a Reddit post went viral, detailing the experience of a long-serving TCS employee allegedly forced into early retirement after 30 years of service.
The post claimed the employee was given just 20 minutes to choose between resignation and termination. They received no severance pay or compensation.
The story resonated widely, especially among older professionals who fear similar treatment amid growing automation and cost-cutting measures.
The post has become a symbol of broader concerns about corporate accountability and the erosion of job security in India’s IT sector.
Union Demands and Broader Industry Implications
IIDEA has issued a set of demands to TCS, including:
- Immediate halt to layoffs and forced resignations
- Fair severance packages and healthcare support
- Transparent criteria for workforce restructuring
- Reskilling programs to support employees during technological transitions
- Reduction of excessive work hours and reconsideration of the 225-day billing mandate
The protests reflect deeper anxieties within India’s IT industry.
The sector is currently grappling with global demand fluctuations, rising automation, and evolving skill requirements.
As companies restructure to stay competitive, employee groups are calling for more humane and transparent approaches to workforce management.
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