IT Union AIITEU Slams TCS Over 225-Day Billability and 35-Day Bench Rules

From 12 June 2025, TCS introduced a deployment policy requiring employees to achieve at least 225 billed days yearly, with a hard cap of 35 bench days—time spent without active client projects. During bench periods, staff must be present in offices, upskill for 4–6 hours daily, and proactively approach the Resource Management Group (RMG) for redeployment using internal platforms like iEvolve, Fresco Play, and VLS, alongside external ones such as LinkedIn.

Union Raises the Alarm

The All India IT & ITeS Employees’ Union (AIITEU) has labelled the policy as “anti-worker,” accusing TCS of shifting responsibility onto individuals for securing projects—something the RMG traditionally handles. Union leaders argue that penalising employees—including the possibility of termination—for not meeting targets is harsh, especially when assignment allocation depends on internal decisions beyond individual control.

Productivity Vs Pressure

TCS argues the updated framework will enhance efficiency and encourage employees to stay job-ready. But critics, including some staff, fear the move might lead to burnout rather than motivation. There's concern that mandatory office presence during bench periods—despite lacking billable work—creates unnecessary strain without offering flexibility.

Union Seeks Clarity and Support

AIITEU has called on TCS management to revisit the new rules, urging clearer guidelines on notice periods, deployment responsibilities, and consequences. The union emphasises that, while utilisation is important, assigning this task solely to employees adds stress and undermines staff well-being.

Read More: Cognizant Joins TCS with ₹99-Paise Land Deal in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh!

Conclusion

TCS’s new 225-billing-days policy illustrates a renewed push for greater workforce efficiency. Yet, its reception has highlighted important concerns, particularly with employee welfare and fairness in deployment practices. The coming weeks will show whether open dialogue and clarity can smooth the way forward.

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