Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company and one of the world’s biggest private-sector employers, is currently facing criticism and backlash over its recent layoffs. Nearly two months after reports first emerged that the company would cut about 2% of its global workforce, the effects are now being seen on the ground. This decision translates to more than 12,000 job losses worldwide, a move that has left many employees shocked, humiliated, and anxious about the future.
While TCS describes the workforce reduction as a routine adjustment, stories shared by employees on social media reveal a very different picture. Many have spoken out about being forced to resign, denied fair treatment, and left hopeless in a job market that already feels overcrowded. Protests have also broken out in different Indian cities, with unions demanding that TCS withdraw its decision.
In this blog, we break down the situation: what is happening, what employees are saying, how unions and protests are responding, and what it all means for the IT industry in India.
What Happened: The Announcement of Layoffs
TCS has a global workforce of over 600,000 employees, making it India’s largest IT employer. In July, reports suggested that the company planned to cut around 2% of its staff, citing business needs and performance reasons. While 2% may sound like a small number, in a company of TCS’s size, it adds up to 12,000+ jobs lost.
Initially, the company did not clarify much. But as employees started posting their experiences online, the issue gained widespread attention. Layoffs in IT companies are not new, but what made this case stand out was the suddenness and handling of the exits.
Employees Share Their Pain on Social Media
Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X) have become spaces where many TCS employees have shared what they went through. Their stories reveal not just job loss, but also emotional trauma.
One employee wrote:
“It’s been three days since I was asked to resign in a meeting room. I refused. I cried, I was scared, but I decided not to resign. They threatened me with a bad review after termination. I told them, do as you like, I will not resign.”
Another employee described being pressured to quit even after completing daily work hours and attending all meetings. He said he explained to HR that he had been using his bench time to study and upskill, even showing proof of certifications. But instead of support, he was told:
“Don’t talk in circles, I don’t like that.”
For many, the experience has been humiliating and emotionally draining. Some say their families do not even know the truth because they feel ashamed. Others fear the impact on major life events like marriage, home loans, and children’s education.
Why the Layoffs Hurt More This Time
Layoffs are unfortunately common in the IT sector, especially when companies face pressure from global markets, automation, and cost-cutting. But the reason the TCS layoffs have caused such outrage is the way they are being carried out.
- Employees allege that they were forced to resign instead of being officially laid off, which affects their future job prospects.
- Some workers claim that HR did not give proper reasons, and instead created unnecessary pressure.
- Many feel that after giving years of service to the company, they deserved more respect and transparency.
Adding to this, the IT job market in India is currently highly competitive, with fewer openings compared to the number of professionals seeking jobs. For employees suddenly pushed out, finding new opportunities quickly is not easy.
Protests and Union Support
The Union of IT & ITES Employees (UNITE), supported by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), staged demonstrations across multiple Indian cities. They claim that the layoffs could impact up to 30,000 employees, which is much higher than the 12,000 figure given by TCS.
Union leaders have demanded that TCS withdraw the decision immediately and have also urged the Indian government to intervene. They argue that mass layoffs, if unchecked, could destabilize thousands of families and create fear in the entire IT workforce.
TCS, however, strongly rejected the union’s claims, calling them “incorrect and misleading.” The company insists that the job cuts are limited to 2% of its global workforce and are part of regular workforce management.
TCS’s Official Position
In a statement to the media, TCS clarified that the layoffs were not targeted at any specific group of employees but were part of a business restructuring exercise. According to them, only around 12,000 people worldwide will be affected, and this is normal for a company of their size.
They also stressed that TCS remains one of the most stable employers in India, pointing to the fact that it continues to hire fresh graduates and invest in training programs. However, for the thousands of employees losing their jobs, this assurance offers little comfort.
What This Means for the IT Industry
The TCS layoffs have opened up a wider conversation about the future of IT jobs in India. Here are some key takeaways:
- Job Security Concerns – Even employees in big, reputed firms like TCS are not guaranteed long-term security anymore.
- Upskilling is Crucial – Several employees mentioned they were using their free time to learn new skills. This shows how important it is to constantly adapt in a fast-changing industry.
- Need for Transparency – Companies must handle layoffs with empathy and openness, otherwise it leads to mistrust and public backlash.
- Union Involvement – IT unions in India are still relatively new compared to traditional industries, but this case shows they may play a bigger role in the future.
Conclusion
For TCS employees, this is more than just losing a job — it is about dignity, respect, and survival in a tough economy. While the company claims the layoffs are limited and routine, the stories from workers reveal the emotional cost of sudden job cuts.
This situation is also a reminder to all professionals that while big companies offer opportunities, they also bring risks. Constantly upgrading skills, networking, and staying prepared for unexpected changes are essential in today’s IT world.
As protests continue, it remains to be seen whether TCS will soften its stance or whether the government will step in. For now, thousands of families wait anxiously for answers.