Thu Sep 18 09:18:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, presented from an Indian perspective and focusing on the key issues:

**Headline: AI Automation Fuels ‘Pink Slip Culture’ in Kerala’s IT Sector, Leaving Engineers Vulnerable**

**KOCHI, Sept. 18, 2025** – A growing number of IT professionals in Kerala are facing job insecurity as companies increasingly implement automation and artificial intelligence (AI), leading to what labor organizations are calling a “pink slip culture.” The situation has ignited a debate over employee rights, the role of unions, and the ethical responsibilities of IT giants operating in India.

The issue came to light following the experience of a 35-year-old software engineer recently laid off from a major IT firm in Kerala. After being removed from a U.S.-based project, the engineer was placed on a “fluidity list,” and ultimately forced to resign with a severance package that labor leaders deem inadequate, considering his years of service. He was informed that he was included in the list on false premise.

“I was given no option other than to resign on ‘mutual grounds,’ though there was nothing mutual about the entire process,” the engineer, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Hindu. “My resignation was made to appear voluntary, and I was relieved with just six months’ gross salary.”

IT employees’ collectives are condemning the practices of “benching” employees for extended periods, and then using performance reviews to justify layoffs. Progressive Techies, an IT employee advocacy group, is demanding an end to arbitrary benching policies and is urging companies to establish internal committees with employee representation for performance evaluation. They also stress the importance of upskilling opportunities to help employees transition to new roles within the company.

R. Chandrasekharan, president of INTUC, a major trade union, expressed frustration over the lack of union representation for IT professionals. He criticized successive state governments for prioritizing investment attraction over labor rights. “Every attempt to form unions of IT professionals has been defeated,” he stated, adding that INTUC will organize a symposium in Kochi to discuss the impact of technology on labor.

Prathidhwani, another IT employee welfare organization, has formed a support network for laid-off professionals, offering upskilling assistance and job placement services. “We are assisting them with upskilling, leveraging the expertise of our members who also mentor them. At the same time, we are petitioning the Central and State governments to take action against such arbitrary retrenchment by IT companies,” said N.G. Madhavan, convener of a technical forum within Prathidhwani.

The situation highlights the growing tension between technological advancement and workforce stability in India’s IT sector. As AI and automation continue to reshape the industry, questions are being raised about the social responsibility of companies and the need for stronger protections for IT employees.

**Key Points:**

* The article emphasizes the Indian context and the concerns of local labor organizations.
* It highlights the engineer’s personal experience as a case study.
* It incorporates quotes from key figures in the IT employee rights movement and trade unions.
* It frames the issue as a conflict between technological advancement and worker security.
* The article is written from the point of view from a newspaper published in Kochi, India, The Hindu.

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