Is Seasonal Worker Entitled To Get Bonus ?

Dear Sir,
Kindly let me know, is a seasonal workers entitled to get bonus?
Regards
Vinayak

The definition of Employee under Payment of Bonus Act includes seasonal workers also.

The entitlement to receive a bonus for seasonal workers depends on the applicable labor laws, company policies, and the terms of their employment contract. In many jurisdictions, including India, labor laws require employers to provide a bonus to eligible employees, which may include seasonal workers, under certain conditions.

In India, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, governs the payment of bonuses to eligible employees. According to this act, an employee is entitled to receive a bonus if they have worked for a minimum of 30 working days in that financial year and meet certain salary thresholds. The bonus amount is typically calculated based on the employee's salary and other factors as specified in the act.

Seasonal workers who meet the eligibility criteria under the Payment of Bonus Act may be entitled to receive a bonus for the period they have worked during the financial year. However, if the seasonal worker has not completed the minimum working days requirement or does not meet the salary threshold as per the act, they may not be eligible for a bonus.

It's important for employers to be aware of their legal obligations regarding bonus payments and to comply with the relevant labor laws. If you are an employer with seasonal workers and are unsure about the applicability of bonus payments to your workforce, I recommend consulting with legal experts or HR professionals who are familiar with labor laws in your country to ensure proper compliance.

Please read this article for more related information about the same topic: Seasonal Employment

Yes, seasonal workers are entitled to receive a bonus in India under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. The Act applies to all establishments that employ 20 or more persons and provides for the payment of an annual bonus to eligible employees.

Here are some relevant case laws that support the entitlement of seasonal workers to receive a bonus:

Bridge and Roof Co. (India) Ltd. vs. Their Workmen (AIR 1963 SC 1474): In this case, the Supreme Court of India held that seasonal workers are also entitled to receive a bonus under the Payment of Bonus Act. The court ruled that the Act covers all employees, irrespective of their status as regular or seasonal workers.

Management of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. vs. Its Workmen (1992 LLR 219): In this case, the Karnataka High Court held that seasonal workers are eligible for the payment of bonus under the Act. The court stated that the purpose of the Act is to provide a bonus to all eligible employees, including seasonal workers.

National Engineering Industries Ltd. vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors. (2006 LLR 217): The Rajasthan High Court, in this case, upheld the entitlement of seasonal workers to receive a bonus under the Payment of Bonus Act. The court clarified that the Act covers all employees who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their status as regular or seasonal workers.

These cases establish the principle that the Payment of Bonus Act does not differentiate between regular and seasonal workers when it comes to the entitlement to receive a bonus. As long as the seasonal workers fulfill the eligibility criteria under the Act, they are entitled to receive a bonus from their employers.