Oracle Slashes 12,000 Jobs in India Amid Global Workforce Reduction

US-based IT giant Oracle has reportedly terminated approximately 12,000 employees in India, marking a significant downsizing that accounts for nearly 40% of its local workforce. The move is part of a broader global retrenchment strategy that has seen the company eliminate an estimated 30,000 positions worldwide.

Secondary Wave Looming

As per the reports, the development, including a representative from the company's Human Resources department, indicate that the current cuts may only be the beginning. A second round of mass layoffs is expected to occur within the next 30 days as the company continues to realign its operations.

Oracle has officially declined to comment on the specific figures. However, in an internal memo addressed to staff, the company cited organizational changes aimed at "streamlining operations." The communication informed affected workers that their positions had become "redundant" due to these structural shifts.

The company has outlined a severance package for those who agree to a voluntary and amicable resignation. The package includes:

• 15 days' salary for every completed year of service.
• A two-month salary "top-up" payment.
• Payment for a one-month notice period.
• Standard leave encashment and statutory gratuity.
• One month of unpaid wages leading up to the termination date.

Workforce Discontent

The layoffs have sparked criticism regarding labor practices. Merugu Sridhar, a former employee, alleged he was terminated in September after protesting against mandatory 16-hour shifts. Sridhar further noted that Indian nationals working for Oracle in the United States have been disproportionately affected, as stricter labor laws in the U.S. often protect domestic citizens during corporate restructuring.

A Turbulent Year for Tech

The Oracle cuts arrive during a volatile period for the global technology sector. By late March 2026, tech layoffs have surpassed 51,000 jobs globally across 102 major events. Industry analysts attribute the surge-a 51% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025-to aggressive shifts toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a renewed focus on corporate efficiency.

Other notable cuts include Nike (775 jobs for automation), Citi (ongoing to 20,000 total), Target (500 in supply chain), and Angi (350 for expenses).