TCS Denies Union’s Claim of 30,000 Layoffs Amid Protests
The Union of IT & ITES Employees (UNITE) organized demonstrations across Indian cities to protest Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) decision to lay off staff. The union alleged that job cuts could affect up to 30,000 employees, calling the scale of retrenchment excessive and demanding government intervention and swift resolution. Supported by CITU, UNITE warned that the layoffs could be even more widespread if not addressed.
TCS Refutes Layoff Numbers
In response, TCS strongly denied the claim, calling it “incorrect and misleading.” The company confirmed it would cut approximately 2% of its global workforce—equivalent to around 12,000 positions—focusing mainly on mid- and senior-level roles. TCS emphasized that the restructuring was aimed at building a “future-ready” organization centered on cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Affected employees will receive severance and job transition support.
Broader Concerns and Industry Context
The layoffs have escalated concerns across the Indian IT sector, prompting legal and union actions. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union filed an industrial dispute case with labor authorities, alleging illegal retrenchments. Analysts note that, while necessary due to skill mismatches and technological shifts, such job cuts risk shaking industry stability and employee morale.
