Trade unions and labour lawyers say many tech companies with offices in Bengaluru are downsizing without following due process, and in some cases, forcing employees to resign. Yet, only a minuscule number of affected workers fight back.

They attribute this to a lack of awareness of labour rights, fear of jeopardising future employment, and the need to quickly find a new source of income rather than get entangled in long legal battles. The absence of a strong union culture is another reason for weak employee resistance.

The Industrial Disputes (ID) Act, 1947, lays down certain procedures for layoffs (temporary cessation) and retrenchment (permanent dismissal). According to advocate Mahima Meenaxi, these include giving appropriate notice and compensation as prescribed under the Act. If an

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