Indian IT companies are undergoing major changes as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to impact jobs in the sector. The country’s IT workforce, estimated at 3.67 million, has played a significant role in making India a global leader in software and outsourcing. However, recent developments indicate that up to 500,000 positions could be threatened by AI advancements over the next three years.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently laid off 12,000 employees, marking its largest round of job cuts to date. Infosys, another leading IT firm, has promoted AI bots that it claims can reduce manpower needs by up to 35 percent. These actions have raised concerns among experts and workers about a potential wave of AI-driven job losses across the Indian IT industry.
Workers facing these changes have limited means to respond. Those who raise concerns risk retaliation from employers. According to accounts shared with UNI Global Union, NASSCOM—the industry association representing firms like TCS and Infosys—has been accused of maintaining an anti-union environment and blacklisting union supporters. In some Indian states, tech workers do not have the legal right to form unions.
India is rated as providing “no guarantee of rights” for workers on the International Trade Union Confederation’s global labour rights index.
“Whether in India or Ireland, workers need a say in how technologies like AI transform their jobs,” said Rajendra Acharya, Regional Secretary of UNI Asia & Pacific. “If unions are kept out of the conversation, AI risks deepening inequality, insecurity and exploitation across one of India’s most important industries.”
The absence of collective bargaining means decisions about AI implementation are left entirely to employers, who often view technology as a way to cut costs and place responsibility for reskilling on individual employees. In contrast, some countries have established collective agreements that address employment protections related to AI use, ensure transparency around new technologies, support upskilling efforts and require worker consultation before introducing automation measures.
“The future of technology must work for working people, not just for corporate profits,” said Acharya.
