EY Faces Prosecution Over Labour Law Violations After Pune Employee’s Death; Key Workplace Safety Breaches Uncovered
EY Faces Prosecution Over Labour Law Violations After Pune Employee’s Death; Key Workplace Safety Breaches Uncovered
Pune: The recent investigation into the tragic death of Anna Sebastian, an employee at EY’s Pune office, has raised serious concerns about workplace safety and compliance with labour laws. As authorities delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding her passing, alarming findings have emerged regarding EY’s adherence to critical regulations designed to protect employee rights and welfare.
Maharashtra Labour authorities have discovered serious violations of important labour laws, prompting the initiation of prosecution procedures. This inspection was launched after claims of excessive workloads and unsafe working conditions. It has come to light that EY did not provide essential records within the required timeframe.
Reports indicate, EY was supposed to submit documentation related to compliance, but the Labour authorities found violations of the following acts:
• The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976
• The Minimum Wages Act of 1948
• The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
• The Maharashtra Shops Establishment Act, 1948
• Housing Rent Allowance (HRA) compliance
These regulations are crucial for ensuring fair wages, employee benefits, and workplace safety. The company’s non-compliance with these laws could lead to significant fines, potentially amounting to several lakhs.
The failure to comply with the Maternity Benefit Act is particularly alarming, as it could lead to penalties such as up to three months in prison or fines of up to ₹500 for not providing required documents or hindering investigations. The case is set to be addressed at the Yerwada Court in Pune soon.
This situation poses a significant challenge for EY, which has already been under public scrutiny following the tragic death of Anna Sebastian, reportedly linked to work-related stress. Labour authorities at both state and central levels are examining EY’s adherence to employee welfare policies, and this new information is likely to escalate the investigation.
