The Indian IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is facing mounting criticism as employees allege forced resignations with only 15 minutes to decide between resignation and termination. A former employee’s shocking Reddit post has exposed alleged coercive tactics, raising serious questions about employee rights and corporate ethics in India’s largest IT services company.
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TCS Controversial “Resign or Face Consequences” Strategy
A former TCS employee reportedly posted on Reddit that he was coerced into putting in his resignation, sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms. The revelation comes amid TCS’s broader layoffs affecting 2% of its workforce, but the methods being employed have drawn intense scrutiny.
The most disturbing aspect? Employees claim they weren’t even allowed to call their families before making this life-changing decision. “He didn’t even let me call my father,” one fresher alleged, describing the pressure-filled environment where resignation seemed like the “safer option.”
TCS Forced Resignation: Key Facts and Figures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Workforce | Over 613,000 employees globally |
| Announced Layoffs | 12,250 employees (2% of workforce) |
| Decision Time Given | 15 minutes to choose resignation or termination |
| Union Complaints | Over 25 calls from distressed employees |
| US Complaints | Over 20 employees filed discrimination complaints |
The New “Bench Policy” Under Fire
TCS employees are alleging forced resignations following the implementation of a new “Bench policy”, which has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The Karnataka IT Employees Union (KITU) has been particularly vocal, demanding criminal proceedings against TCS officials for forcing employees to resign under duress.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people facing impossible choices under extreme pressure. The human cost of corporate restructuring has never been more apparent.
What Employees Are Experiencing
The testimonies paint a disturbing picture of workplace coercion:
Immediate Pressure Tactics:
- Ultimatums delivered with minimal notice
- No opportunity to consult family or legal advisors
- Choice between “voluntary” resignation or termination for cause
- Threats of negative performance feedback affecting future employment
Psychological Impact:
- Extreme stress and anxiety among remaining employees
- Fear of speaking out against unfair treatment
- Uncertainty about job security despite good performance records
TCS’s Official Response
TCS spokesperson has dismissed these allegations, stating “These speculations are incorrect and misleading. The impact is limited to 2 per cent of our workforce.” However, employee testimonies suggest the reality on the ground differs significantly from official statements.
The company has not confirmed specific details about individual terminations involved in the recent controversy, though the Reddit posts have prompted serious concerns about performance evaluation methods and severance policies.
Broader Industry Implications
This controversy extends beyond TCS. “It is a known fact that TCS fires about 1 per cent of its employee base based on performance,” according to industry sources, indicating this might be a widespread practice across the IT sector.
The allegations raise critical questions:
- Are IT companies using psychological pressure to avoid paying proper severance?
- What legal protections exist for employees facing such situations?
- How can the industry maintain ethical standards during restructuring?
Legal and Ethical Concerns
The forced resignation tactics, if proven true, could violate several employment laws and ethical standards. Employees facing such situations have limited recourse, especially when companies present resignation as the “better” option compared to termination.
Red Flags for Employees:
- Sudden performance reviews without prior warnings
- Ultimatums with unreasonable time constraints
- Threats of negative references or feedback
- Pressure to sign documents without legal consultation
Moving Forward: What This Means for IT Professionals
The TCS controversy serves as a wake-up call for the entire IT industry. Employees need to understand their rights and seek legal counsel when faced with coercive tactics. Companies, meanwhile, must balance business needs with ethical treatment of their workforce.
For IT professionals currently employed or seeking opportunities, this situation highlights the importance of:
- Understanding employment contracts thoroughly
- Maintaining documentation of performance reviews
- Building professional networks for support during crises
- Staying informed about labor rights and legal protections
The human stories behind these corporate decisions remind us that behind every statistic is a person with dreams, responsibilities, and rights that deserve respect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should employees do if they face similar forced resignation pressure at TCS or other IT companies?
A: Employees should immediately document all interactions, seek legal counsel, and avoid making hasty decisions under pressure. Unlike the employee who was given only 15 minutes to decide, you have the right to take reasonable time to consult family, lawyers, or employee unions. Contact organizations like KITU (Karnataka IT Employees Union) for support and guidance, and remember that coercive resignation tactics may violate employment laws.
Q: Is the forced resignation issue limited to TCS, or is it a broader problem in the Indian IT sector?
A: While TCS is currently in the spotlight, this isn’t the first time an Indian IT services firm has been accused of such practices. The issue appears industry-wide, with “TCS fires about 1 per cent of its employee base based on performance” being described as a “known fact” by industry sources. TCS faced similar accusations in 2015, though they received a clean chit from the jury, indicating this is a recurring concern across major IT companies during restructuring phases.
