Press Brief
On 20th March 2020, Ministry of Labour & Employment – Government of India had clearly advised all employers not to terminate any employee from job or not to reduce their wages. Again on 29th March Government of India vide order No 40 -3/2020-DM-I(A) of Home Secretary, GOI has issued additional directions under Section 10(2)(i) of the Disaster Management Act 2005 which clearly directs that all the employers shall make payment of wages of their workers at their workplace on the due date, without any deduction for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown. But unfortunately many employees are facing salary cut, job termination or unpaid forced leaves. On 12th April Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd. had served a notice to their employees mentioning that they will deduct the salary from April 2020 and will continue to pay the deducted amount in next three months. On 22th April Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd. has served a notice again stating that 60% salary will be deducted for next three months. Unfortunately on 7th May they informed that all employees are being sent to leave without pay.
The All India Computer Graphic Artist and Co-Workmen’s Association (AICGAA) strongly condemns this kind of retrenchment or salary cut during the lock down period or after that. We believe that all the MNCs or other companies must extend their support to their employees during this crisis. AICGAA demanded on 10th May, 2020, immediate intervention for cancellation of all job termination by Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd and to reinstate the employees with a proper compensation for mental harassment and ill-treatment.
In this connection Mr. Saubhik Bhattacharya, The General Secretary of AICGAA stated that it is the violation of instruction under Disaster Management Act 2005 by Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd should be deemed as a punishable offence under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). “We solicit your immediate intervention so that these companies can be restrained from unfair labour practices amidst in this worst ever national crisis. We are afraid, if these types of issues are not addressed strictly then mass retrenchment will be a trend for the MNCs in grabbing profit, placing the workers to worst situation.”
On against of this complain by AICGAA the labour commissioner of Maharashtra state Govt. issued one notice to the management of M/s Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd. Stating not to incorporate any wage cut of any employees working there and the company has to pay their dues as immediate as stated. Otherwise it will be treated as a punishable offense and will be examined under strict judiciary process.
It is a victory of AICGAA against mass lay off / wage cut by the private IT & ITES companies nationwide, as stated by one of the employees of Legend Artists Pvt. Ltd.
For more details contact: Contact: Mr.Saubhik Bhattacharya– GS (AICGAA)-9830090202