Forward by Pooja
Flexing its muscles against the staff retrenchment in IT firms in the wake of economic recession, Kerala Government has ordered a probe into the dismissal of 20 professionals from Technopark-based IBS Software Services (P) Ltd.
CITU veteran and Labour Minister P K Gurudasan asked the Deputy Labour Commissioner (DLO) to probe the incident and see whether action could be initiated against the company as per the Industrial Disputes Act. “The Government has the responsibility to ensure that companies stick to labour regulations,” he said.
Accordingly, officials of the Labour Department visited IBS and sought service details of the staff. As Saturday was a holiday for the company, further inquiry would be held on Monday.
“The Labour Department cannot suo motu take any action in this regard. The dismissed employees should file complaints,” said DLO Abdul Nisthar.
Chief Minister’s IT advisor Joseph Mathew said the probe has send a clear message to the industry that the Government was committed to protect the interest of the workforce. “The Government had made clear that even SEZs would not be exempted from labour laws. The hire and fire policy of the IT industry is an ill effect of globalisation,” he said.
IBS CEO V K Mathews told The Indian Express that the Government move was in bad taste. It is a pity that Kerala raised a non-issue, especially when 60 per cent of the 2,500-strong IBS workforce hailed from the state, he said.
Mathews said the employees were shown the door as their performance was not up to the mark. He said the dismissed employees were given two months salary as per the contract.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am currently working in a Banglore MNC and will be laidoff this month end. Even though my appraisal ratings have been good, I have received Performance Improvement Plan from the company appr one month back with additional work assigned along with my normal work. Managers say HR is pressurizing for downsizing the team though they have given
good feedback. HR say Managers gave feedback that my performance needs improvement. Meeting was scheduled with HR and they asked for my resignation and I had to submit my resignation by mail. My performance was excellent and my layoff is not justified. Mostly women employees are targetted for layoff since they will not react. Layoff is justifyable in scenarios where employee goes on maternity leave or if employee's performance needs improvement since it affects the business. Do you have any suggestions on preventing my layoff since finding external opportunity would be tough in current economic recession and companies have ceased recruitments?
Regards,
Rajasree