Feeling Trapped in a Job with Unfair Hours and No Holidays – Is There a Way Out?

I am working at a company called XYZ. Initially, I thought it was a very good company, but it has proved to be a nightmare. Here are the reasons:

Unreasonable Work Hours

1) Once a week, we are required to stay for night support. The hours are from 10 AM to 5 AM, and we must return to the company by 3 PM after working for 19 hours straight. For example, if I arrive at the office at 10 AM on Monday, I leave at 5 AM on Tuesday and must return by 3 PM the same day to work a minimum of 4 hours. This schedule is mandatory once a week.

Lack of Holidays

2) We were told that every Saturday would be a holiday, but we hardly get any days off, not even on public holidays like Republic Day, which was also a working day for us. Moreover, they never compensate for these missed holidays.

I can't resign from the company because I have signed a service agreement for 3 years, and I don't have the capacity to break that agreement. In short, we don't have any respect in this company; they don't treat us like humans. Is there any way out of this, or do I need to sit quietly and endure this for 3 years? Please help me.

Dear friend,

I recommend that you contact the Labor Officer of your area and file a written complaint. Please bring along proof of your employment, as well as any material evidence you have regarding long working hours, etc.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Hi Dinesh,

Bonded labor, in essence, is outlawed as per the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 1976. This means there can be no valid contract that compels employees to stick for a particular tenure in the company.

We recently covered an entire article that goes over this subject. You can read it at the link below: [Employment Bonds - Do they really work? | Bond Contracts](http://quikchex.in/employment-bonds-contracts-do-they-work/)

Hi Kamesh,

All you can do is just try to reach the Labor officer and put forth your queries. If possible, try to get your attendance details and take them to the concerned department. Nowadays, the labor department is very strict on employers. You should also carry your offer letter issued to you, which contains all the details about the company's terms and conditions. Apart from that, there is no other way since you have signed a bond for three years.

Murthy

All the above-mentioned things are a breach of the law. You can file a complaint with the labor department about all of these. The labor department will void your agreement as binding an employee is against the law.

You have stated in your mail, and I quote, "I can't resign from the company as I have signed a service agreement for 3 years. Nor do I have the capacity to break that agreement."

Now, what is the meaning of the second sentence in this paragraph? What do you mean by having no capacity to break? Is it because you have signed the agreement for 3 years that you have apprehensions about? If so, do not worry; go ahead and resign. An agreement without consideration is void. As for approaching the Labor Officer, abolition of bonded labor, etc., other seniors have already advised you. I need not repeat the same.