Misconduct at Work: How Should We Handle Tobacco Use on Company Premises?

Please tell me about the fines rule under the model standing order in case of misconduct of using tobacco products in company premises. I am working with a manufacturing unit. Many times, we have given verbal warnings. Please give me your suggestions and ideas.

What exactly do you want to know about 'fines' with reference to the act of misconduct of tobacco chewing?

B. Saikumar
HR & Labour Law Advisor
Navi Mumbai

Implementing Penalties for Tobacco Use

Oh yes, your intention is good and very simple. Put up a notice board and mention the penalty amounts starting from Rs. 10 onwards. With Modi Ji's Swachh Bharat initiative active across India, display the PM's slogan and provide a written warning. Place a hundi box at the exit for employees, where the penalized money from workers who violate tobacco rules should be deposited.

Another suggestion: give a piece of red ribbon to the violating employee after collecting the penalty. Apply your own ideas as per your company, such as providing other benefits or delaying the penalty for the violating employee.

Good luck!

Addressing Misconduct: Warning Letters and Charge Sheets

Can we issue warning letters or a charge sheet for this kind of misconduct? I have already posted a notice on the notice board advising employees to avoid tobacco on company premises. Previously, we initiated the Swachh Bharat Mission in our company; however, it has not been as effective as intended. Therefore, I am taking this matter seriously and intend to take strict actions against some of the notorious workers for this misconduct.

Fine Amount Inquiry

I am inquiring about the amount of the fine. According to the Model Standing Orders Act, what amount can I collect from them as a fine? I believe that once I begin collecting money for this misconduct as a fine, it will serve as a lesson for others as well.

Regards

You can impose a fine as a penalty under standing orders only for misconduct enumerated under the standing orders. Therefore, you have to issue a charge sheet and conduct a domestic inquiry to hear his case. If the charges are proved, you can impose the fine. Such a fine can be any amount not exceeding 3% of the wages payable for the month in which the fine is imposed.

B. Saikumar
Navi Mumbai