Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is facing scrutiny over the delayed onboarding of approximately 600 experienced lateral hires. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has escalated the issue to the government, urging intervention from Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. NITES emphasizes the severe financial and emotional distress this indefinite delay is causing to the affected professionals.
These professionals, possessing work experience ranging from two to eighteen years, hail from major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. Lured by formal job offers from TCS, they resigned from their previous positions, anticipating a smooth transition. However, upon reporting on their scheduled joining dates, they were informed of an indefinite postponement, leaving them unemployed and economically vulnerable. The lack of clear communication and revised timelines from TCS has exacerbated their anxiety and uncertainty.
NITES has formally requested the Labour Ministry to ensure TCS provides definite timelines for onboarding. The organization is also advocating for financial compensation to cover the delay period, access to TCS's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health support, and consideration for alternative positions within the company. Harpreet Singh Saluja, president of NITES, voiced deep concern over the emotional and financial hardship endured by these professionals, many of whom feel "abandoned" by TCS. He also highlighted that the IT industry is normalising layoffs and onboarding delays to the extent that companies no longer face repercussions for such actions. He stressed that this involves "a major company, not some normal startup engaging in unprofessional practices." Saluja also warns that without ministerial intervention, the numbers will rise gradually in coming months and could reach 1,000 or 2,000 people if August or September joining dates are similarly delayed.
TCS has responded by reiterating its commitment to honoring all employment offers to both freshers and experienced professionals. The company stated that joining dates are determined by business demands and may be adjusted accordingly, assuring that they remain in contact with affected candidates. However, this explanation has done little to alleviate the concerns of those awaiting onboarding, who are grappling with financial obligations such as loan repayments, rent, and daily expenses.
This is not the first instance of TCS delaying onboarding. In 2023, the company faced similar complaints regarding the delay of at least 200 experienced techies, attributing it to project delays. At that time, TCS Chief Human Resources Officer Milind Lakkad affirmed the company's commitment to honoring its offers.
The current situation has prompted strong reactions from affected professionals, with some expressing feelings of betrayal and questioning the company's ethical standards. The indefinite delay has not only jeopardized their financial stability but has also taken a toll on their mental well-being. NITES has characterized TCS's actions as "exploitative practices" and a "criminal breach of trust," emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to protect the rights and livelihoods of these professionals.
