Is It Legal for Companies to Deny Shift Allowance for Work-from-Home Employees in India?

Hi, I am an employee of a reputed company in Bangalore and currently working rotational shifts for the USA shift. Due to the outbreak, the company has requested us to work from home in Bangalore. Many employees in my team are now working from home. However, managers have mentioned that those working from home will not receive a shift allowance as per HR policy. Many employees are also working the night shift. Is there any law in India that we can use to claim this allowance? It seems like they are taking advantage of the situation to deny the shift allowance.

We are supporting the USA timezone from India, and currently, there are four shifts that run under this arrangement. We are being forced to go to the office to claim the shift allowance. Is this legal, and can someone suggest a solution to this issue? Thanks in advance.

Hi Jithu, please reread the HR policy once again. Check whether the policy states that shift allowance is to be paid for work done during shift timings without specifying the location of work, or if the policy explicitly mentions that shift allowance will only be paid for work done during shifts in the office. If the policy does not address the location of work, you can provide evidence of work done from home during shift hours and claim the shift allowance. Situations like the coronavirus outbreak are unexpected and short-lived. HR should acknowledge the work efforts of employees working from home and compensate them according to standard practice.

Regards, Sumeet