Navigating Manpower Deployment and Legalities During Covid-19: What Are Your Options?

Queries Regarding Manpower Deployment During Covid-19

There are some queries due to the Covid-19 outbreak. As of now, we are unable to deploy the total manpower as manning is restricted to a limited number of employees in a single shift, 'G' Shift.

Legalities and Compliance

What are the legalities or statutory compliance regarding contract manpower deployment? What about the payment of wages, PF, ESI Returns on non-deployed manpower? What is the best course of action for the employer in this matter?

Wages and Employment Policy

Can the employer withhold wages for the month of April 2020 for contract labor based on the principle of "No Work - No Pay"?

Kindly clarify the above.

Government's Direction on Salary Payments During COVID-19

The government's direction is to pay full salaries to all, including casual workers and contract workers. The government has taken this step using their right under the Disaster Management Act. Challenging this direction, private employers have filed a suit in the Supreme Court. Their argument is how can the government direct private employers to pay full salaries to workers who have not worked when there are provisions under the law to pay half of wages under a layoff arrangement. The matter is pending before the apex court. Therefore, many employers have not paid the full amounts or have paid only around 30% to 50%. It is advisable to wait for the court's order to make a final decision on this.