New Neighbors Causing Trouble: Can We Take Legal Action to Protect Our Livelihood?

Sir, I am Santosh Kumar. Actually, my father has been working as a watchman in an apartment for 16 years. Until now, there have been no issues with the flat owners. However, over the last year, two new flat owners have come in, and they have been causing a lot of trouble for us. They seem to not want to be part of this apartment community. Is there any legal recourse we can take? This apartment is our only source of livelihood. Please advise us on what steps we should take.

Check this link to see if you are being paid the minimum wages in AP: http://labour.ap.gov.in/documents/Wa...r_01102015.pdf

If you are not being paid the minimum wages and are facing further mistreatment, contact the area labor inspector. They can assist you in receiving your rightful wages. Written permission from them will be required to be excused from your duties. For more information, visit the website provided.

Please give us further details. What you have told us is not enough. How large is the apartment (how many flats), and what is the structure (co-op societies, individual ownership, etc.)? Is it direct employment or through a contractor? What exactly is the issue you are facing? Are you living in the apartment block? Why have you not appealed to the other society members for help?

In general, cooperative housing societies are exempt from labor laws. More precisely, they are outside the scope as they are not commercial or business enterprises. So, it's doubtful that the labor officer will be able to do much.

Cooperative societies also come under the ID Act. The victim can file an application before the labor department for any grievance but is advised to sort it out with association members amicably.

Definition of Industry in an Industrial dispute as provided in Section 2 is as follows:

"(j) 'industry' means any business, trade, undertaking, manufacture or calling of employers and includes any calling, service, employment, handicraft, or industrial occupation or a vocation of workmen."

The cooperative housing society does not fall within the definition provided above. Therefore, please explain why you believe the Industrial Disputes Act is applicable to a cooperative society.