The Maharashtra Department of Labor might penalize the Pune branch of Ernst & Young if the company does not provide a satisfactory response for the employee’s death linked to excessive workload.
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a worker at EY India in Pune, passed away recently, leading to worries about stress in the workplace. Anita Sebastian, the mother, claimed in a letter that the stress from work at EY played a role in her daughter’s death.
Labour Department had issued a notice to EY, company failed to respond within 7 days
Subsequent to this, the company received a notice from the Labour Department, requesting clarification. Even though the notice was given, EY did not reply within the necessary seven-day timeframe.
As per the Additional Labour Commissioner, the department is ready to take direct action against the company.
Also read: Shashi Tharoor meets parents of EY India employee; promises to raise issue in parliament
The Commissioner confirmed India Today TV that legal action would be taken because the company did not respond.
Officials from the Labour Ministry recently visited EY’s office in Yerwada, Pune, and found various issues, such as the company not having obtained a licence under the Shop Act even though it has been operating since 2007.
Despite EY’s assertion of having submitted an online license application in February, they have not provided any further details on the subject.
Despite company’s request for three to four more days to respond, the Additional Commissioner announced that no extra time would be given, and the Labour Commissionerate would take immediate action.
Also read: Labour officials inspect EY’s Pune branch after employee’s death sparks row
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met Anna’s parents recently
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met with the parents of EY India employee on Wednesday. The Congress leader talked to the parents about the importance of investigating, holding people responsible, and creating new laws to address the toxic work environment.
“Paid an emotional visit to the parents of EY India’s Anna Sebastian Perayil, who died of a heart attack at age 26 from overwork and intolerable stress and pressure from her managers. Discussed with her anguished parents the need for an enquiry and accountability, new laws and regulations to reform the toxic work culture of bottom-line-obsessed under-staffed establishments, and better training for mid-level managers,” Tharoor said.
