The Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court observed that during this COVID-19 pandemic, the principle of “no work- no wages” cannot be made applicable by the employers.
Justice Ravindra Ghuge was hearing a plea by a contract workers’ union raising grievance that despite the workers offering their services as security personnel or for other duties at the Tuljabhavani Mandir Sansthan.
The Court observed that the workers appeared to have been paid a measly amount for the month of April while less than the gross salary was paid in March.
The Court also took note of the circumstances prevalent wherein able bodied persons were offering their services but were not allotted any work given that all the temples and places of worship are shut on account of the nation-wide lockdown.
The Court while highlighting wages problems said,
It cannot “turn a Nelson’s eye” to this situation and the plight of the workers.
“I feel that the principle of “no work no wages” cannot be made applicable in such extraordinary circumstances. The Court cannot be insensitive to the plight of such workers, which has unfortunately befallen them on account of the Covid19 pandemic.” Justice Ghuge said.
The Court directed the Temple trust to ensure full wages for the months of March, April, and May are paid to the workers and the principle of “no work- no wages” is not invoked until further orders.
Read the petition here:
