During the COVID time the company had not given the increment - said that we will get in our next year increment

During the COVID time, the company had not given the increment to me but the manager had said that we will get the amount with all the difference in our next year increment but we didn't get any difference in our appraisal time, only set back is the manager had given the oral assurance of the difference amount, but he had said this to all employees. So there are witnesses to this. So can we sue the company on this basis? The difference amount is very much high

Dear Colleague,

Increments are generally voluntary motivational financial increase given by employers considering their business performance. ( Note: There are certain annual increments arising out of Settlements under Industrial Disputes Act 1947 or by way of Awards of Industrial Tribunals for those who are covered under ID Act. These increments are mandatory and can be claimed if not paid) In the absence of any settlement or award, any oral promise is a mere hope or motivation given to employees. No suit will be possible for such oral announcements. It is discretion of the organization and depends on how best the business and financial performance that is achieved post Covid etc. But at least the Manager is positive and hopeful which is subject to many factors and probabilities probably. Look for the best and many companies struggle to come back from Covid setbacks and both Employers and Employees to have transparent communication on what is possible and not possible. As well there should be excellent mutual cooperation at this time of recovering back to normal

Take care
Dr P.SIVAKUMAR
Doctor Siva Global HR
Tamil Nadu