30 March 2024 – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) faces allegations of discrimination as fired American employees accuse the company of replacing them with Indian workers on H1-B visas.
Allegations of Discrimination:
Over 20 American employees of TCS have filed complaints with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming that their jobs were given to Indian workers with H1-B visas. The fired employees, including individuals of different races and ages, allege discrimination based on race and age.
TCS has refuted these allegations, stating that they are meritless and misleading. The company asserts its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer in the US. Amid slowing demand and cost-cutting measures, many technology firms are reevaluating their workforce strategies. The use of H1-B visas has been a topic of discussion, with some firms facing criticism for allegedly replacing American workers with foreign employees.
Comparison with Other Tech Firms:
Unlike outsourcers like TCS, major US tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Meta utilize H1-B visas for highly skilled workers who command higher salaries. These firms have faced less scrutiny regarding visa usage. The US Congress annually grants approximately 85,000 new H1-B visas, with demand often exceeding the available slots, highlighting the significance of this visa program in the tech industry.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding TCS layoffs underscores broader discussions about employment practices, diversity, and visa policies within the tech sector, reflecting ongoing challenges and debates in the industry.