NITES Files Complaint Against TCS Bench Policy, Citing Employee Exploitation and Pressure Tactics
Pune, 16th July 2025: In a significant development, the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has submitted a formal complaint to the Ministry of Labour and Employment against Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), alleging that the company’s newly introduced Bench Policy is exploitative and detrimental to employee well-being.
The complaint follows grievances received from around 78 TCS employees, who have raised serious concerns over the impact of the policy on those currently between projects — commonly referred to as being “on the bench.”
Harpreet Singh Saluja, President of NITES, said, “It is deeply concerning and disheartening to review the contents of this policy. While it appears to promote resource optimization and employee engagement on the surface, a closer and empathetic examination reveals it heavily burdens associates, especially those who are between projects, often due to no fault of their own.”
According to NITES, the Bench Policy mandates compulsory project allocations, forced engagement with the Resource Management Group (RMG), and imposes unrealistic expectations around availability and learning hours. Employees allege that instead of supporting staff during their bench period, the policy introduces surveillance, veiled threats of disciplinary actions, and potential terminations.
“This policy institutionalizes a culture of fear and pressure during one of the most vulnerable phases of an employee’s professional cycle,” Saluja stated. “It dehumanizes and penalizes employees, prioritizing billability over empathy and metrics over morale.”
The union emphasized that this policy is not about improving productivity or performance but about asserting control over employees. They claim it fosters a toxic environment where job security is constantly under threat.
NITES has called for urgent intervention by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate the matter and take appropriate action to protect the rights and dignity of employees.
TCS has yet to issue an official statement in response to the allegations.
