TCS Faces Maharashtra Labour Department Scrutiny Over Alleged Forced Employee Transfers

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is under the radar of the Maharashtra State Government Labour Department following a formal complaint filed by the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES). 

The complaint alleges that TCS has engaged in the forceful transfer of more than 2000 employees, prompting the labour department to issue a notice and summon TCS stakeholders for a formal meeting on 18 January.

NITES, the organisation representing IT employees, claims to have received over 300 complaints from individuals who assert that TCS has been systematically compelling them to relocate to different cities without adequate notice or consultation. According to NITES president Harpreet Saluja, TCS employed coercive tactics by threatening disciplinary actions against those who refused to comply with the transfer directives. Additionally, allegations have surfaced that the company has halted the salaries of employees who voiced opposition to these forced transfers.

The contentious issue revolves around TCS sending emails to employees, informing them of their transfers to various locations, including Mumbai. These emails cite vague business requirements without providing specific details. Employees are expected to report to their new assignments within a stringent two-week timeframe and are assured reimbursement at a later date. Complaints received by NITES also highlight instances where access rights to current locations were allegedly revoked for non-compliance.

NITES has underscored the detrimental impact of these transfer requirements on employees, both financially and emotionally. The organisation has called upon the Ministry of Labour and Employment to launch an investigation into TCS’s transfer practices, questioning whether they violate labour laws.