Facing Unpaid Incentives and Benefits After Resignation: Should I Approach the Labor Office?

My company started downsizing due to business loss. I was asked to resign and serve a 1-month notice, which I did. Now they are only paying salary for the 1 month and not the incentive, which is part of my CTC breakup. Also, leave encashment and bonus payment are not being made. There is a gratuity component in my CTC which, though I have not completed 5 years, still should be paid to me on a pro-rata basis. All the above is not paid, stating that no such company policy exists. If I don't accept the F&F cheque, they will not issue a relieving letter, which will be a big loss for me for future prospects.

Seeking Advice on Labor Office Approach

Kindly suggest whether I should approach the labor office? How much time will it take to resolve the case? Will I have to frequently visit for follow-ups? Help in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Regards

**Location**: Mumbai, India
labour office, leave encashment, company policy, bonus payment, relieving letter, Country-India, City-India-Mumbai

In this situation, it is advisable to take the following steps to address the non-payment of your entitled benefits:

Contact HR or Management:
- Initiate a formal written communication with the HR department or management outlining the discrepancies in your Full and Final (F&F) settlement.
- Clearly mention the components such as incentive, leave encashment, bonus, and gratuity that are part of your CTC but have not been paid.

Refer to Company Policies and Offer Letter:
- Review your offer letter, appointment letter, and company policies to understand the terms and conditions regarding the mentioned benefits.
- Highlight any clauses that support your claim for the unpaid amounts.

Seek Clarification:
- Request a meeting with HR or the concerned department to seek clarification on why these components are not being paid despite being part of your CTC.
- Document all interactions and responses for future reference.

Consider Legal Options:
- If the company continues to deny your entitled benefits, you may consider seeking assistance from the labor office or a legal advisor.
- Labor laws in India protect employees' rights regarding salary, bonuses, and other benefits.

Follow-up and Documentation:
- Maintain a record of all communications, emails, and documents related to your F&F settlement.
- Regularly follow up with HR or management to track the progress of resolving the issue.

Relieving Letter Importance:
- A relieving letter is crucial for future job prospects as it serves as a validation of your employment with the company.
- Emphasize the significance of receiving the relieving letter and its impact on your career progression.

Approaching the labor office can be a viable option if internal discussions do not yield results. The time taken to resolve such cases can vary, but persistence and documentation are key to ensuring a favorable outcome.