Pune Labour Commissioner Summons TCS Over Layoff Complaints, Hearing Set for November 18
IT employees union NITES alleges illegal termination of 2,500 mid to senior level staff, claims forced resignations violate Industrial Disputes Act
The Labour Commissioner Office in Pune has summoned Tata Consultancy Services over multiple complaints filed by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate following ongoing job terminations. The hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2025, before the Government Labour Officer.
Over the past several months, NITES has appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alleging that TCS illegally laid off nearly 2,500 mid to senior level employees in Pune. The IT employees union claims these terminations violate labour laws and involve workers with ten to twenty years of service.
NITES assistance to affected employees
In a post on X dated November 15, NITES stated it has received a large number of complaints from TCS employees across various locations regarding abrupt terminations, forced resignations, denial of statutory dues, and coercive employment practices. After reviewing grievances and supporting documents, NITES assisted affected employees in filing formal complaints before the competent authority.
“The initiation of proceedings by the Labour Commissioner reinforces that every employer is legally bound to follow due process and cannot act in violation of labour laws,” NITES said.
The organization urged current or former workers who believe they faced wrongful removal or denial of dues to file formal complaints, adding that it will support affected staff in preparing submissions and seeking available remedies.
TCS confirms workforce reduction
In October, TCS confirmed it had released approximately one percent of its workforce, roughly 6,000 employees, as part of what it described as an ongoing restructuring effort. Chief Human Resources Officer Sudeep Kunnumal, speaking during the company’s Q2 earnings call, said the firm will continue to evaluate performance as it pursues a shift toward becoming an AI-led technology services company.
Kunnumal rejected speculation that the company planned job cuts of 50,000 to 80,000, stating those numbers were exaggerated. He said involuntary attrition stood at one percent and that the company was midway through an estimated total reduction of two percent announced earlier in the year. The exits largely affected mid and senior level staff whose skills could not be redeployed.
TCS reported a total headcount reduction of 20,000 as of September and took a Rs 1,135 crore charge for severance packages offered to mid and senior level employees who left.
NITES claims violations of Industrial Disputes Act
NITES has claimed the exits involved staff with substantial service periods and were presented as voluntary resignations in violation of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The organization filed a complaint with the Labour Ministry in July 2025.
According to NITES, despite a directive issued by the Ministry in August, TCS continued the job cuts. The organization has sought an investigation and compensation for affected staff.
NITES said it submitted prima facie material to the authority and welcomed the decision to take cognisance of the matters. The organization said the case reflects broader employment pressures in the IT sector amid a softened hiring environment.
The November 18 hearing will provide an opportunity for both TCS and the affected employees to present their cases before the Labour Commissioner’s office. The proceedings will examine whether the terminations followed due process under applicable labour laws.
