Gratuity - Gratuity Letter [Thread 560444]

Vanakkam! I am Radhika, 59 years old, and I worked in a private school for the past 25 years. I officially retired last June 2015 and continued to work for one more year until April 23, 2016, which was the last working day for teachers. When I submitted a letter claiming my gratuity, they denied it, stating that the school doesn't have enough money. It is a large school making profits in crores. Even though I worked until the last working day, they didn't pay my full salary for the month of April. Please advise me on how to claim my gratuity.

Thank you,

Radhika.

Hi,

Put up a written request to the chairman of the school. Enclose the application for gratuity in the laid-down form as per the Gratuity Act/rules. Follow it up with a reminder, all by registered post so that there is proof of delivery. Give details of your service - date of joining, retirement, and number of years of service - and ask for gratuity. If you do not get a reply, then write to the District Education Officer with full details and a main copy of the application to the Labor Officer of the area. Give a formal complaint about the denial of gratuity. I am sure the school will pay the gratuity as they are legally bound to do so.

Hello Radhika,

Please follow the steps narrated by Nathrao. As per the Payment of Gratuity Act, an organization is supposed to settle the gratuity on the last working day itself (citation required). Else, you are vested with rights to approach the labor department and file a case under the Payment of Gratuity Act. They will call the management for a hearing and help resolve the dispute.