How Can I Address Unfair Work Conditions and Lack of Benefits at My School?

Respected all,

I am Syed, working with Delhi Public School for the last 7 months. I have to work on Sundays, but the school does not provide any compensatory off/overtime/wages. Additionally, there are no paid leaves except for one Casual Leave (CL) in a month. If I am late by 2 or 3 minutes, the management considers it as a half-day.

The treatment towards employees is similar to that of a class IV employee; there is no Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), or bonus provided. The school also does not adhere to the minimum wages for security agencies.

Kindly suggest what actions I should take.

Thank you.

These acts by the school are violations of various labor laws. I am sure the PF inspector must be visiting and checking school records. Teachers are getting PF, and such big schools will be registered for PF. If what you are writing is correct, complain to the Labor Officer, PF authorities, and the Education Board (DEO).

Employer share is supposed to be from the employer. This can easily be found out by the PF inspector during his checks. If ready for a conflict with management, get in touch with the labor officer, PF officer, etc.

Dear Syed Najaf Ali,

Please check if the school management is following the CTC concept for teachers. If so, they should show both deductions/contributions in the pay component.

No doubt, you can complain to the management to the labor department authorities for Compensatory Off (C off) or overtime. But before doing so, try to discuss with the concerned individual to get an appropriate reply. If that doesn't resolve the issue, then you can proceed with your complaint.

Thank you.

Dear Syed Najaf Ali,

Please don't bear this blunder of injustice and report it to the labor officer as Mr. Natharo has instructed you.

Ashutosh
HR (Gen.)

Respected all,

What are the safest procedures for reporting to the Labour Officer because I don't want to lose my job? From my perspective, if I report directly, I will have to provide my employment details to the Labour Office.

Kindly suggest.

Dear Syed Najaf Ali,

There are many jobs in India, and I suggest that you protest against the injustice that has been done to you. In your Quran, there is a clear-cut directive to protest against injustice - bend before your God but not before the doer of injustice. You know that when we tolerate injustice, the perpetrators of injustice become stronger; they believe we are powerless. If the protest is initiated, no one would dare to commit injustice, ensuring a better future even if it means sacrificing a job.

Ashutosh
HR (Gen.)

Alternatives to Address Workplace Issues

There are two alternatives. One is to openly go to government authorities and inform them. The other alternative is to suffer and carry on until another job comes up. Not everybody can fight due to economic compulsions. Take your own decision as you know the personal as well as work situation. It is easy to advise to fight, but then you have a family to look after, you need a salary, and the reality of life needs to be taken into account.

Understanding the Situation of Other Staff

But how are the other staff who suffer equally taking this injustice in terms of labor law? Discreetly check with any trusted coworker.

Respected all,

Finally, I have decided to fight against injustice, and I have lodged a complaint with the ESIC office through email.

Final Status of CBSED/R/2019/50674

Applicant Name: Syed Najaf Ali
Date of receipt: 12/03/2019
Request Filed With: Central Board of Secondary Education

Text of Application: I joined the organization (Delhi Public School, Jankipuram - Lucknow) on 19.06.2017. As per the attached approval form from the Managing Director, it clearly mentions that the PF amount is Rs 3600 per month, paid by the employer w.e.f. 19.06.2017. However, it has not been paid by the employer for the first eight months, approximately Rs 28,800. This is a significant amount that has not been paid from the period of 09.06.2017 to 01 February 2018. Kindly consider my grievance and ensure justice is done as this is a substantial amount for a middle-class employee.

Request document (if any):
Status: REQUEST FORWARDED TO CPIO as of 13/03/2019
Date of Action: 13/03/2019
Remarks: Details of CPIO - Telephone Number: [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons], Email Id: [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]