IIDEA Condemns Infosys Over Mass Terminations, Calls for Government Action

Corporate Greed? Infosys Reports Huge Profits While Retrenching Hundreds

Hundreds of IT Workers Allegedly Coerced into Resignation

Bengaluru, February 10: The IT and ITES Democratic Employees Association (IIDEA), affiliated with AICCTU, has strongly condemned the mass termination of employees at Infosys Limited. While the company claims to have let go of around 300 workers, other sources suggest the actual number could be as high as 700.

According to reports, these employees, who were recruited in 2022 through campus interviews, were onboarded only after a prolonged delay of 2.5 years. Shockingly, soon after their induction, they were allegedly forced out under the guise of failing internal assessments. IIDEA has accused Infosys of coercing employees into signing ‘mutual’ separation agreements, effectively bypassing legal procedures and evading accountability for unlawful retrenchment.

Unfair Labor Practices Amidst Record Profits

At a time when Infosys has posted a staggering net profit of Rs. 6,806 crore in the third quarter, its actions against workers have sparked widespread outrage. IIDEA alleges that the company, like many other tech giants, engages in exploitative labor practices—securing projects by showcasing a large workforce, only to later discard employees without due process.

“The actions of Infosys blatantly violate the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which mandates that companies must seek permission before retrenching workmen,” stated IIDEA representatives, demanding immediate government intervention.

Systemic Exploitation in the IT Sector

The IT industry in Karnataka has long faced criticism for its poor labor protections. The state government has exempted the sector from coverage under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, leaving workers vulnerable. Additionally, there has been a proposal to amend the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act to extend working hours to 14 hours a day, raising further concerns about worker rights and well-being.

The issue of inhumane work expectations is not new. Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy has publicly advocated for a 70-hour work week, dismissing the concept of work-life balance. “Such exploitative and anti-worker practices are rampant not only in Infosys but across the IT/ITES sector,” IIDEA asserted.

IIDEA Demands Justice for Retrenched Workers

Expressing unwavering support for the terminated employees, IIDEA has called on the Labour Department to take immediate action. “We demand that the government hold Infosys accountable for these illegal terminations and ensure that workers’ rights are upheld,” the association stated.

The fight for justice continues as affected employees and labor rights organizations rally against the alleged corporate exploitation. IIDEA has vowed to stand by the retrenched workers in their struggle for dignity and legal recourse.

Quotes & Statements:

1. "Terminating workers after making them wait 2.5 years is not just unethical—it’s a betrayal." – IIDEA Spokesperson
2. "Infosys must answer: How can a company with ₹6,800 crore profit justify mass layoffs?"
3. "This is not about failing tests; it’s about evading legal responsibility for illegal retrenchment."
4. "The IT sector thrives on worker exploitation, and it’s time for accountability."
5. "If Infosys truly values innovation, it should start by respecting its workforce."