Infosys, one of India's leading IT giants, has come under fire after terminating approximately 400 trainees at its Mysore campus for failing to clear mandatory internal assessments. The mass layoffs, which occurred on February 7, 2024, have sparked outrage among those affected, many of whom expressed feelings of helplessness as they were asked to immediately leave the premises.
These trainees had waited for over two years to join Infosys after receiving their offer letters in 2022, only to face dismissal due to the company's strict assessment policy. According to MoneyControl, one unnamed trainee described their experience as "cruelty," noting the fear among employees to speak openly about their circumstances within such a large company.
Infosys defended its actions, stating, "All freshers get three attempts to clear the assessment, failing which they will not be able to continue with the organisation." This policy, they argue, has been part of their contractual agreement for over two decades. Despite this, the affected trainees reported feeling blindsided by the sudden enforcement of the rules, especially considering the recent changes to assessment criteria. The passing mark was reportedly raised from 50% to 65%, compounding their challenges, as they also faced increased training requirements.
The systematic nature of the terminations was alarming. Reports indicate groups of trainees were called individually to meetings where security personnel and bouncers were present, which many regarded as intimidation tactics. An emotional moment unfolded when one female trainee, pleading for leniency, asked, "Please let me stay the night. I will leave tomorrow. Where will I go right now?" An official's response was curt: "We don't know. You are no longer part of the company. Vacate the premises by 6 pm."
This traumatic experience left many trainees without immediate accommodations, as they had relocated from various parts of the country to join the company. Critics have condemned Infosys' handling of the situation, describing it as corporate exploitation. The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), representing IT workers' rights, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to intervene. Harpreet Singh Saluja, president of NITES, stated, "This blatant corporate exploitation cannot be allowed to continue, and we urge the government to take swift action to uphold the rights and dignity of Indian IT workers."
The situation highlights significant issues related to worker rights within the tech industry, raising concerns about job security and the fairness of employee evaluations. With another batch of 450 trainees expected to undergo assessments soon, the anxiety surrounding similar consequences looms large. These recent events cast shadows over the promises made to those entering the technology workforce, and the broader industry now faces pressure to reevaluate its practices to protect workers from sudden and harsh employment actions.
Overall, the layoffs have not only disrupted the lives of individual trainees but also brought forth broader discussions on the treatment of employees within one of the country's most significant sectors. Many are calling for systemic changes to safeguard against the unpredictability and perceived injustices faced by trainees stepping onto the corporate ladder.