Pune-based IT workers’ union, NITES, has warned of a protest outside Infosys if the government fails to act over the recent layoffs of trainees. The union stated it would stand by the affected employees to ensure they receive fair treatment.

Infosys, India’s second-largest IT services company, recently faced criticism after laying off over 300 freshers who underwent foundational training at its Mysuru campus but failed internal assessments. The company maintains that performance evaluations are a critical part of trainees’ progress, asserting that over 98% of eligible trainees received relieving letters along with severance pay, outplacement services, and counselling.

NITES, or the Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate, released a statement on Wednesday, declaring its commitment to fighting for the laid-off employees. "We will continue to stand with these employees until they receive the fairness and dignity they deserve. If the government does not take appropriate measures, we will not hesitate to start a massive protest outside Infosys’ campus," the union stated.

Infosys has refuted allegations of unfair treatment, emphasizing that trainees join with a clear understanding of performance-based evaluations. "Each trainee accepts their apprenticeship with Infosys, where the training cost is entirely borne by the company. Our testing processes are clearly outlined in policy documents and proactively communicated to all trainees," the company said.

The IT firm also defended its evaluation process, explaining that negative marking applies across all three attempts in multiple-choice assessments. It further stated that its globally recognized training program is designed to develop high-quality employees.

Previously, Infosys’ Chief Human Resources Officer, Shaji Mathew, had dismissed claims of unfair assessment changes and intimidation, asserting that the company invests in trainees with the intent of ensuring their success.