In a recent development, an Ernst & Young (EY) office in western India has come under scrutiny after the tragic death of one of its employees.
The incident sheds light on potential violations of labor laws and raises questions about workplace conditions.
EY Employee Death: Background and Violation of Labor Laws
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old audit executive at EY India, allegedly died due to a high workload. Her mother attributed the tragedy to the “backbreaking” demands placed on her daughter.
Following Anna’s death, the federal government initiated an investigation into EY’s practices.
Maharashtra’s additional labor commissioner, Shailendra Pol, revealed that the EY office in Pune had been operating without a mandatory registration under the state’s Shops and Establishments Act.
This act regulates work hours and sets limits on the maximum working hours for adults.
According to the law, adults should not work more than nine hours per day or 48 hours per week. EY’s failure to obtain the necessary permit raises serious concerns about compliance with these regulations.
Non-compliance with labor laws can have severe repercussions.
If such violations result in an accident causing serious bodily injury or death, the responsible party could face imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to 500,000 rupees ($5,979), or both.
EY India has yet to respond to the specific allegations regarding the lack of a permit. However, the company has previously emphasized its commitment to employee well-being.
Employee Testimonies
Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, alleged that her daughter faced an “overwhelming workload.” Anna reportedly worked late into the night, even on weekends, with no opportunity to rest.
Shailendra’s team is seeking additional information from EY, including employee logbooks, welfare policies, and whether Anna was excessively overworked during her four months as an associate at the accounting giant.
The EY case highlights the need for companies to prioritize employee health and adhere to labor regulations. As investigations continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation.
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