Navigating Wage Revisions and Bonuses During My Notice Period: Am I Eligible?

I work for a National English daily in the IT department, and I will be serving a 2-month notice period starting next week. Similar to the 6th pay commission for central government employees, we have the Majithia Wage Board for newspaper employees to revise wages every 10-12 years. However, this time, the revision has been pending for 2-3 years.

Questions Regarding Wage Revision and Benefits

I have two questions:

1. If there is a wage revision implemented, and arrears for the past 2 years are paid, will I be eligible for these arrears?

2. The company traditionally gives bonuses and incentives on Diwali every year with the condition that "it will be paid only to employees on the payroll at the time of disbursement." Since I will be on notice period during that time, would I still be considered for these benefits?

Your response to my queries would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Hemanth

Hemanth replies to the queries in the same seriatim:

1) Though it is premature to speak about your eligibility for such wage arrears since you are not currently aware of the terms of the Award of the Wage Board, based on the general principles of wage revision with retrospective effect, you should be eligible for the wage arrears and also for consequential benefits like gratuity on account of such revision.

2) Although you are on the notice period, your name will remain on the payrolls of the company until the expiry of the notice period. Therefore, if during this process you are on the payroll of the company at the time of the disbursement of the bonus, you shall be eligible for it.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Mumbai

Even after the termination of the contract, you shall be eligible for all arrear payments, subject to your eligibility for the same.