Greetings,
I have a question about the new labour code. It states that gratuity is now payable to full-time employees (FTEs) after completing one year of continuous service. I\'m interested in knowing if this also extends to contract workers who are hired under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act.
Ritesh Parmar
Head - HR & IR
From India
I have a question about the new labour code. It states that gratuity is now payable to full-time employees (FTEs) after completing one year of continuous service. I\'m interested in knowing if this also extends to contract workers who are hired under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act.
Ritesh Parmar
Head - HR & IR
From India
Hello Ritesh,
The new labour code has indeed brought about significant changes in the gratuity provisions. It now mandates that full-time employees are eligible for gratuity after completing one year of continuous service. This is a significant shift from the previous requirement of five years.
As for contract workers, the situation is a bit nuanced. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act does not specifically mention gratuity. However, the new labour code does not differentiate between a full-time employee and a contract worker for the purpose of gratuity. Therefore, it can be interpreted that contract workers are also eligible for gratuity after one year of service.
However, it is crucial to note that the implementation of these provisions may vary based on the contract terms and the nature of the employment. Therefore, it is advisable to review the terms of the contract and consult with a legal expert if necessary.
In terms of practical steps, I would recommend the following:
1. Review the terms of the contract for any specific clauses related to gratuity.
2. If the terms are unclear, seek legal advice to understand the implications of the new labour code.
3. Communicate with the contract workers about their rights and obligations under the new labour code.
4. Ensure that the company's HR policies are updated to reflect the changes in the labour code.
Lastly, it's important to keep abreast of any updates or amendments to the labour code as they may affect the gratuity provisions. Remember, maintaining compliance with the labour laws is not just a legal requirement but also a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and fair workplace environment.
From India, Gurugram
The new labour code has indeed brought about significant changes in the gratuity provisions. It now mandates that full-time employees are eligible for gratuity after completing one year of continuous service. This is a significant shift from the previous requirement of five years.
As for contract workers, the situation is a bit nuanced. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act does not specifically mention gratuity. However, the new labour code does not differentiate between a full-time employee and a contract worker for the purpose of gratuity. Therefore, it can be interpreted that contract workers are also eligible for gratuity after one year of service.
However, it is crucial to note that the implementation of these provisions may vary based on the contract terms and the nature of the employment. Therefore, it is advisable to review the terms of the contract and consult with a legal expert if necessary.
In terms of practical steps, I would recommend the following:
1. Review the terms of the contract for any specific clauses related to gratuity.
2. If the terms are unclear, seek legal advice to understand the implications of the new labour code.
3. Communicate with the contract workers about their rights and obligations under the new labour code.
4. Ensure that the company's HR policies are updated to reflect the changes in the labour code.
Lastly, it's important to keep abreast of any updates or amendments to the labour code as they may affect the gratuity provisions. Remember, maintaining compliance with the labour laws is not just a legal requirement but also a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and fair workplace environment.
From India, Gurugram
Dear Ritesh,
Plz see that FTE is not known as Full Time Employee. This is known as Fix Term employment & in such type of cases we are to grant gratuity even on completion of one year of service in accordance with the new Labour Codes.
Regards,
R N KHOLA
From India, Delhi
Plz see that FTE is not known as Full Time Employee. This is known as Fix Term employment & in such type of cases we are to grant gratuity even on completion of one year of service in accordance with the new Labour Codes.
Regards,
R N KHOLA
From India, Delhi
There is nothing in the Code which says that the Principal employer is responsible for payment of gratuity to workers deployed through a contractor who are covered by the repealed CLRA Act. The extension of gratuity to workers on contract refers to those appointed on fixed term contract as suggested by R N Khola. Accordingly, if you had appointed some one on a fixed term contract for one year or two years, he will be getting gratuity on condition that his termination of employment is due to non renewal of the contract. In this context what is important is that an employee who was given regular appointment cannot claim gratuity on his resignation before five years. Similarly, an employee on Fixed Term Contract cannot claim it if he is leaving the company before the period mentioned in the contract, ie, one year, tow years etc.
In respect of workers engaged though a contractor to whom the Chapter XI (Part I) of the Occupational Safety Health and Working Conditions Code (which corresponds to Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act) apply, the responsibility to pay gratuity is on the contractor who is their employer.
From India, Kannur
In respect of workers engaged though a contractor to whom the Chapter XI (Part I) of the Occupational Safety Health and Working Conditions Code (which corresponds to Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act) apply, the responsibility to pay gratuity is on the contractor who is their employer.
From India, Kannur
Dear Ritesh Parmar,
The New Labour Codes significantly brought changes for Gratuity.
1. Prior to New Labour code Basic has no significant definition but under new code Basic "wages" Fixed @ 50% Or more.
2. In previous act employees eligible for gratuity after five years of service. Under the new code employees completed one contineous year working will get 15 days payment as gratuity.
3. New code is extending gratuity eligibility to fixed-term/contract workers after just 1 year, instead of the old 5-year.
Therefore, each and every employee under permanent role or under contract or fixed term work are eligible for gratuity on 50% basic pay and completion of one year of contineous services.
From India, Mumbai
The New Labour Codes significantly brought changes for Gratuity.
1. Prior to New Labour code Basic has no significant definition but under new code Basic "wages" Fixed @ 50% Or more.
2. In previous act employees eligible for gratuity after five years of service. Under the new code employees completed one contineous year working will get 15 days payment as gratuity.
3. New code is extending gratuity eligibility to fixed-term/contract workers after just 1 year, instead of the old 5-year.
Therefore, each and every employee under permanent role or under contract or fixed term work are eligible for gratuity on 50% basic pay and completion of one year of contineous services.
From India, Mumbai
Hello Ritesh,
The new labour code changes have definitely created confusion, especially around gratuity for contract vs. full-time employees. From what I understand, the 1-year eligibility is mainly meant for fixed-term/contract employees, so they don’t miss out on gratuity just because their contracts are shorter.
For permanent full-time employees, the traditional 5-year rule still continues unless the law is amended further. The key thing is whether the employee has continuous service, regardless of the employment type.
Overall, the intention seems to be to bring contract workers closer to the benefits permanent employees get, which is a good move. But yes — employers really need to document service continuity properly to avoid disputes later.
The new labour code changes have definitely created confusion, especially around gratuity for contract vs. full-time employees. From what I understand, the 1-year eligibility is mainly meant for fixed-term/contract employees, so they don’t miss out on gratuity just because their contracts are shorter.
For permanent full-time employees, the traditional 5-year rule still continues unless the law is amended further. The key thing is whether the employee has continuous service, regardless of the employment type.
Overall, the intention seems to be to bring contract workers closer to the benefits permanent employees get, which is a good move. But yes — employers really need to document service continuity properly to avoid disputes later.
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(Fact Checked)-Your explanation is spot on. Gratuity is indeed applicable to fixed-term employees after one year under the new Labour Codes. Well done! (1 Acknowledge point)