NITES Criticizes HCL Technologies Over New Leave Policy

The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has criticised HCL Technologies for linking employee leaves to office attendance. NITES argues that the policy, which requires employees to work from the office at least three days a week to be eligible for leaves, is unfair and violates Indian labour laws.

IT workers' union NITES has criticised HCL Technologies for a new policy that ties employee leaves to office attendance, calling it ''unfair'', and has requested the tech giant to reconsider its stance. HCLTech declined to comment.

According to NITES President Harpreet Singh Saluja, the policy mandates that employees work from the office at least three days a week and at least 12 days a month in order to be eligible for leaves. Saluja argues that the policy not only undermines a healthy work-life balance but also violates Indian labour laws, particularly the Shops and Establishments Act, which requires employee consultation for leave policy changes.

NITES emphasized that in the post-pandemic era, flexible working arrangements are the norm, and rigid requirements like these are a regressive step. The union urged HCL Technologies to reconsider the policy and prioritize employee welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)