The Governor of West Bengal through its circular dated 12th September 2019 has appealed to the employers and employees covered under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 to stick to certain guidelines, while settling the legitimate dues of workers in respect of payment of bonus for the year 2019.
The following guidelines are issued in the circular:
- The employers in order to maintain industrial peace and harmony, is expected to adopt a flexible attitude on the issue of payment of bonus
- All establishments where bonus was paid in the previous year are requested to see that the rate of bonus payable this year is not lower than that of the last year. In case of dispute, the same must be settled through negotiations.
- Employers are also requested 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, whether in casual employment or re-employed after retirement or employed through contractors and have worked for not less than 30 days during the year should be paid bonus
- In case of any default towards payment of bonus for the previous years, the employers shall make such payment along with the current year bonus
- Government has noted that previous years, employees of IT sector, hotels and restaurants, shops & establishments, security workers and some workers in jute mills did not get any bonus. It is hoped that situation will not be similar this year
- All payments of bonus should be made before commencement of Durga Puja, 2019.
- All employers including the public sector undertakings and employers’ organizations will advise their constituents to act according to this appeal.
Click here to read the notification:
