Feeling Left Out: Am I Eligible for the Diwali Bonus After My Trainee Success?

Dear Sir, I joined Fiat India Automobile Pvt. Ltd. in August 2020 as an apprentice. Upon completing the apprenticeship in August 2021, I transitioned to a trainee position for one year. I successfully completed the trainee period with the best record as recognized by the company. However, I was not continued as a trainee 2 for reasons unknown to me. Additionally, I was not provided with a Diwali bonus, while it was given to another trainee employee. Could you please clarify whether I am eligible for the bonus or not?

Thank you.

Dear Sir, I joined Fiat India Automobile Pvt. Ltd. as an apprentice in August 2020. I completed my apprenticeship in August 2021 and was continued as a trainee for a period of one year. I completed this period with the best record as per the company's standards. However, I was not continued as a trainee for the second period for unknown reasons. Additionally, the company did not provide me with a Diwali bonus, although it was provided to another trainee employee. Please advise if I am eligible for the bonus or not.

Apprentices are generally not considered employees under the Payment of Bonus Act. The question is whether you were an apprentice or a trainee. It could also be that you were a trainee under Standing Orders or even an apprentice under Standing Orders, which specifically state you are not an employee.

Your appointment letter would probably solve the problem. You should speak to your manager as well as the HR Head and explain why you feel the company was unfair to you by giving the bonus to another person at the same level but not to you. Fighting for the small amount is probably not worthwhile.