How Should I Handle Being Fired After Reporting Falsified Attendance Records?

I am the HR Manager of a start-up company located in Mumbai, and someone within the organization has falsified my attendance records with reduced and incomplete working hours just before the day of salary processing for the entire month of January 2024. I worked every Monday to Saturday with 10 to 12 hours on duty daily.

I have reported this matter to the Director, but on the contrary, I was terminated, and my salary and all dues are on hold. The company has 12 CCTV cameras within the workplace and office gate. The director has blocked my mobile number and is not releasing my dues. Please suggest solutions to this subject.

Hi,

Addressing Unethical Practices in the Workplace: A Guide for Resolving Attendance Record Falsification

As the Human Resources Manager of a burgeoning startup based in Mumbai, maintaining ethical standards and transparency within the organization is paramount. However, when faced with the distressing situation of having one's attendance records falsified, leading to termination and withholding of salary, it becomes imperative to address the issue promptly and effectively.

The scenario presented underscores a breach of trust and integrity within the company, where an individual has manipulated attendance records to reflect reduced and incomplete working hours. This unethical practice not only undermines the credibility of the affected employee but also tarnishes the reputation of the organization as a whole.

Upon discovering the falsification of attendance records, the affected individual, in this case, the HR Manager, took the appropriate step of reporting the matter to the Director. However, the response received, which led to termination and the withholding of salary and dues, raises concerns about the organization's commitment to fair and just practices.

In such a challenging situation, it is essential to explore potential solutions that can help address the issue and seek redress. Here are some steps that can be considered:

Seek Legal Advice: Given the severity of the situation, consulting with a legal professional specializing in employment law can provide valuable insights into the rights and options available to the aggrieved party.

Review CCTV Footage: The presence of CCTV cameras within the workplace and office gate offers an opportunity to review the footage and gather evidence to substantiate the actual working hours put in by the HR Manager. This evidence can be crucial in refuting the falsified records.

Request a Meeting with the Director: Despite the current communication barriers, making a formal request for a meeting with the Director to discuss the situation and present evidence supporting the claim of attendance record falsification can be a proactive step towards resolution.

Engage in Mediation: If direct communication with the Director proves challenging, seeking the intervention of a neutral third party or mediator to facilitate dialogue and negotiation can help in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution.

File a Complaint: In cases where internal attempts to resolve the issue prove futile, exploring external avenues such as filing a formal complaint with relevant labor authorities or regulatory bodies can be considered to seek redress and uphold one's rights.

Document Everything: Throughout the process of addressing the attendance record falsification and subsequent termination, maintaining detailed records of all communications, evidence, and actions taken is crucial for building a strong case and protecting one's interests.

It is essential to approach the situation with a clear focus on seeking justice, upholding ethical standards, and safeguarding one's rights as an employee. By taking proactive steps, seeking appropriate guidance, and advocating for fairness and transparency, the HR Manager can navigate through this challenging situation and work towards a resolution that aligns with principles of integrity and accountability.

In conclusion, addressing unethical practices such as attendance record falsification requires diligence, resilience, and a commitment to upholding ethical standards in the workplace. By leveraging available resources, seeking support, and advocating for fairness, individuals can navigate through such challenging situations with a sense of purpose and determination to seek redress and uphold their rights.

Thanks

Challenging Termination in Managerial Roles

You cannot challenge your termination in any labor or industrial dispute redressal machinery since you were employed in a managerial capacity. However, this being an injustice and a violation of human rights, you can file a complaint before the court, approach the Human Rights Commission, and even seek the intervention of the machinery meant to implement law and order, i.e., the police. But there is every chance that the employer may blacklist you, and it may be difficult for you to get a good career.

Agreed that the termination cannot be challenged, but the salary due to the employee should be paid. It seems that you have reported to your Director verbally.

Suggest that you put your contention in an email to the Director requesting payment of your dues, wait for a couple of weeks, and then send a reminder. If the management does not respond, then you could seek legal advice.

I think there is some incomplete information here. You noticed something wrong and then reported it to the management. Why did they suddenly terminate you? You must be aware of the real reason. Is there something else you have not told us about?

Unethical Practices in the Company

The company has a practice of making employees work for a month, only to terminate or force them to resign while withholding their salaries. The company was established 6 months ago, and in the last 3 to 4 months, 8 employees have left. The reality is that they are being fired without any payment.

The company is not adhering to any statutory compliance.