TCS Layoffs Protest: IT Union Alleges 30,000 Job Cuts, Plans Global Action; Company Responds

India’s largest IT services firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), is facing sharp criticism from an IT employees’ union after allegations of large-scale layoffs surfaced. The union has claimed that nearly 30,000 jobs have been cut in recent months, sparking growing unrest among employees and leading to calls for coordinated global protests. While the company has issued a statement in response, the controversy has once again opened the debate around job security in the IT sector.

Union Raises Alarm Over Job Cuts

The IT Employees’ Union has accused TCS of carrying out mass layoffs under the guise of performance reviews and restructuring. According to union representatives, thousands of mid-level and junior employees were abruptly asked to leave without adequate notice or severance.

Union leaders argue that the scale of job losses—estimated at 30,000—is unprecedented and could impact not just employees in India but also those working in the US, UK, and other global delivery centers. They have called the move “unethical and opaque,” alleging that the company is prioritizing cost-cutting and automation at the expense of human capital.

To escalate their demands, the union has announced plans to organize global demonstrations outside TCS offices in major cities. They also intend to seek intervention from labor authorities and raise the issue with international workers’ rights organizations.

Company Issues Clarification

Responding to the allegations, TCS has issued a statement denying any large-scale layoffs. The company said that it follows a structured and fair performance management process that helps identify areas of improvement for employees.

According to the company, the job exits being reported are part of “routine attrition and performance-linked adjustments,” which are common in the IT services industry. TCS added that it continues to hire freshers and lateral talent to meet the growing demand for digital transformation projects worldwide.

A spokesperson clarified:

“We categorically deny claims of mass layoffs. TCS remains committed to supporting employees’ growth through upskilling and career development opportunities.”

Industry Context: Rising Automation and Global Slowdown

Experts point out that the IT sector globally is under pressure due to macroeconomic slowdown, rising inflation, and reduced client spending. Companies are also aggressively adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools, which has led to reduced demand for certain traditional IT roles.

TCS, like other IT majors, has been reshaping its workforce to align with cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services. While this opens new avenues, it also displaces employees whose skill sets do not align with the new requirements.

The alleged layoffs at TCS reflect a larger trend in the IT industry, where job profiles are rapidly evolving and employees are under pressure to reskill to remain relevant.

Employees’ Concerns

For many employees, the sudden exits have raised concerns over:

• Job security in an otherwise stable IT giant.
• Transparency in how performance reviews are being used to justify job cuts.
• Mental health stress caused by uncertainty and lack of clarity around future career prospects.

The union has demanded that TCS provide greater transparency, fair severance packages, and opportunities for reskilling instead of mass exits.

What Lies Ahead?

The situation is likely to intensify in the coming weeks as unions push for global protests and regulatory scrutiny. For TCS, maintaining its reputation as an employee-friendly and ethical employer will be crucial, especially as it continues to expand its global client base.

At the same time, industry watchers believe that the debate around layoffs and automation will only grow stronger across the IT sector. While companies emphasize business sustainability, employees and unions are increasingly demanding safeguards against sudden job losses.

The TCS layoffs controversy highlights the growing tension between business priorities and employee rights in the digital era. With unions gearing up for global action and TCS standing firm on its clarification, the outcome of this standoff could set an important precedent for India’s IT industry.

Whether the claims of 30,000 job cuts are substantiated or not, one thing is clear—the conversation around job security, transparency, and reskilling in the IT sector is far from over.