Know your rights when layoffs happen: Forum

KPF has started using the social media by coming out with helpline numbers to support those who have concerns to address.  “Usually when IT companies decide to sack employees in large numbers, they need to go through the labour department. Also, substantial compensation must be given. To avoid this pay-out, many companies typically resort to unethical means, forcing employees to quit on their own,” claims Alagunambi Welkin, President, KPF. 

Further alleging the lack of transparency in the appraisal process, he said “there are issues that aren’t out in the open. Often employers try to take advantage of a situation and mark the employees poorly. Among the common reasons cited include classifying an employee to be a good team performer who may not have skill matching future technologies. If they employee refuses, he or she is threatened with a blackmark, which will make it difficult for the individual to find another job easily. Employees succumb to avoid any kind of trouble. But, as per law, this is also a violation of the Industrial Disputes Act,1947.”  

KPF has come forward and set some guidelines for the employees that will help them know their rights and the laws that protect them. “If an employee is pressurised to leave, they can refuse to resign, demand for the proof of procedure followed, claim for proper compensation and contact the State labour Commissioners, if need be” he adds.