“Infosys Mass Layoffs: Employee Uncertainty and Industry Backlash”

On February 10, 2025, Infosys, a leading IT services company, conducted a significant layoff at its Mysuru campus, terminating over 300 trainees who failed to clear internal assessments after three attempts. This move has left many employees in a state of confusion and distress.

Background and Company Policy

Infosys mandates that all freshers undergo foundational training at their Mysuru campus, culminating in internal assessments. As per company policy, trainees are given three opportunities to pass these evaluations. Failure to do so results in termination, a clause explicitly stated in their contracts. The company asserts that this rigorous process, in place for over two decades, ensures the maintenance of high-quality talent for its clients.

Employee Experiences

The sudden terminations have had a profound impact on the affected trainees. Many had waited over two years after graduation to join Infosys, only to face termination within months. Reports indicate that trainees were asked to vacate the campus by 6 PM on the day of termination, leaving them scrambling for immediate accommodation and transportation. One trainee recounted a colleague’s plea to stay the night, stating, “Please let me stay the night. I will leave tomorrow. Where will I go right now?” The request was denied, highlighting the abruptness of the process.

Union Response and Legal Implications

The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, alleging that Infosys’s actions violate labour laws. NITES contends that the terminations are illegal and unethical, especially given the prolonged waiting period trainees endured before joining. The union is demanding an immediate investigation, a halt to further terminations, and the reinstatement of affected employees with appropriate compensation.

Company’s Clarification

In response to the allegations, Infosys clarified that the number of affected employees is fewer than 350. The company emphasized that the terminations were due to the trainees’ inability to clear the internal assessments after multiple attempts, a process that has been a standard part of their training program for years.

Current Situation

As of now, many of the terminated employees remain in a state of uncertainty, grappling with the sudden loss of employment and the challenges of transitioning after such an abrupt change. The situation has sparked a broader discussion about corporate responsibility, employee rights, and the ethical considerations of mass terminations in the IT industry.