New Wage Code

According to a provision in the Code on Wages, those convicted in sexual harassment of any form could run the risk of losing out on bonus dues from their employers.

• According to a provision inthe Code on Wages, those convicted in sexual harassment of any form could run the risk of losing out on bonus dues from their employers.
• The new Code is expected to become operational once the government notifies the rules.
• The new code includes ‘conviction for sexual harassment’ as a ground for denying bonus payouts to employees.
• As per the extant law, bonus dues are barred only in case of employees dismissed for fraud, violent conduct and theft or sabotage.
• The prospect of losing one’s benefits may make employees more careful of their conduct, and they should be made aware of this provision.
• This serves as an additional deterrentapart from the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) law of 2013.
• The Law requires firms to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)to inquire into complaints.
• The Committee is required to make recommendations to employers on the action required pursuant to its inquiry in such complaints.
• If the ICC upholds a complaint, it could be construed as a conviction. ICC has the powers to decide if someone is guilty and report it further to the police, though not all sexual harassment cases translate into a police case.