The Governor of West Bengal has issued an appeal to all employers in the State governed by the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, to adhere to statutory guidelines while settling legitimate dues of workers in respect of payment of bonus, with a view to preserving industrial peace and harmony. Employers are urged to ensure all bonuses are disbursed by 30th September, 2024, prior to the commencement of Durga Puja.
Key Highlights:
- All establishments where bonus was paid in the previous year are required to ensure that the rate of bonus payable this year is not lower than that of the last year;
- In cases of disputes, the same may be settled amicably through negotiations. Employers to consider payment of an amount of ex-gratia in lieu of bonus as is admissible at the maximum stage, to those workmen and employees who have crossed the eligibility limit as per payment of Bonus Act, 1965;
- All employees, including casual workers, retirees rehired after retirement, and contract workers who have worked at least 30 days during the year, are entitled to receive bonus payments;
- Employers with outstanding bonus payments from previous years are expected to clear the dues, in addition to paying the current year’s bonus;
- The Government has noted past instances where employees in certain sectors, such as IT, hotels and restaurants, shops & establishments, security workers and some workers in jute mills, did not receive bonuses. Employers in these sectors are urged to avoid repeating this omission this year;
- Further, the Government has also called on all trade unions and employers’ organizations to extend their co-operation in maintaining industrial peace and for effective settlement of industrial disputes concerning bonus without any disruption of work;
- Employers employing in the unorganized sector, not covered under the Payment of Bonus Act, are also encouraged to provide bonus or ex gratia payments to their workers.
Source: Government of West Bengal
