CPI(ML) Lok Sabha MP Raja Ram Singh has written to Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya expressing serious concern over the reported mass layoff of nearly 12,000 employees in India by Oracle Corporation and seeking urgent intervention.
In his letter, dated April 2, CPI(ML) MP stated, “This raises serious questions not only about corporate accountability but also about the role of the government in safeguarding the rights and dignity of workers.”
He pointed out that companies operating in India benefit from substantial tax concessions, public infrastructure, and a favourable policy environment” extended by governments, based on commitments to generate employment. He added that “actions such as these arbitrary and large scale layoffs betray that social contract and destroy the foundations of dignified employment.
Raising concerns over the manner of termination, Raja Ram Singh wrote, “Terminating thousands of employees with little to no notice is a violation of the basic principles of job security and human dignity.” He further asked, “Who will take responsibility for their livelihoods and the survival of the thousands of families left behind?” He also strongly criticised the government’s response, stating that “inaction of the government in the face of such developments tells large corporations that labour protections in India are negotiable and the government does not stand with its people.”
The CPI(ML) MP has urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment to:
1. Seek an immediate and detailed explanation from Oracle Corporation regarding the circumstances, scale and process of the layoffs
2. Take necessary steps to prevent arbitrary mass layoffs and ensure accountability for violations of labour laws
3. Put in place stronger safeguards to protect employees from sudden and unjust termination
Comrade Raja Ram Singh emphasised that the dignity of labour cannot be compromised and called upon the government to take firm action to ensure that workers are not treated as expendable.
