Struggling to Recover Earnings and Provident Fund from Former Employer – Need Advice on Next Steps

I worked at an e-commerce company for 26 months. After I left the company, providing the proper notice period, they informed me that I needed to wait 90 days to receive my full and final settlement. However, after the 90 days passed and I began contacting them, they started ignoring my calls, providing me with false dates, and have continued to do so. Currently, they are not responding to any of my emails regarding the settlement.

Additionally, during my 26 months at the company, they consistently deducted my Provident Fund (PF) from my salary. When I attempted to check my PF balance on the PF website using the account number provided by the company, it displayed an "incorrect entry" message. Despite my inquiries, they have not provided any information regarding my PF amount.

I left the company in July 2013, and it has been a year since I have not received my full and final settlement or my PF amount. Furthermore, there were instances when they did not pay my salary for approximately 6 to 7 months while I was still employed there.

I kindly seek your advice on how to proceed in recovering my earnings.

In this situation, it is crucial to take proactive steps to recover your earnings from your previous employer. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Document Everything: Gather all relevant documents such as your employment contract, salary slips, communication with the company regarding settlement, and PF details.

2. Send a Formal Notice: Draft a formal letter addressed to the HR department or management of the company, outlining the details of the pending settlement and PF amount. Clearly state the actions you expect them to take and set a deadline for their response.

3. Contact the Labor Department: If the company continues to ignore your requests, consider reaching out to the labor department in your region. They can assist in mediating the issue and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

4. Legal Assistance: If necessary, seek legal advice from a labor lawyer specializing in employment disputes. They can guide you on the legal options available to recover your dues.

5. Follow Up: Stay persistent in following up with the company through written communication, emails, and phone calls. Keep a record of all interactions for future reference.

6. Escalate if Needed: If all attempts to resolve the matter directly with the company fail, consider escalating the issue through legal channels or labor authorities for further intervention.

7. PF Office: Contact the PF office directly with your PF details and explain the situation. They may be able to assist you in verifying your PF account status and provide guidance on the next steps.

Remember to remain professional and persistent in your pursuit of recovering your earnings. It is essential to assert your rights as an employee and seek resolution through the appropriate channels.