Over 600 workers in Nepal have reported to the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety that they did not receive the festival allowance required by labor laws.
These reports, submitted through email and an online portal, prompted the department to act and ensure employers provide the necessary benefits to employees.
The department has also communicated with employer groups and private schools to guarantee that staff receive their rightful entitlements.
According to labor law, employees should receive one month’s basic pay as an annual festival allowance.
This allowance is meant to align with the employee’s religious beliefs, cultural background, and traditions. Employees can request the allowance for a specific festival; if no request is made, it should be given during Dashain.
Employees who have not completed one year of work are still entitled to a prorated amount.
However, many employees have complained about not receiving the correct payments.
The department has warned employers that it is their legal duty to provide the festival allowance.
Department of Labour and Occupational Safety Takes Action
In response to the complaints, the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety has sent a letter to employers and organizations to ensure compliance with the law.
Before Dashain, letters were dispatched to the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness within their organizations.
They also contacted the Private and Boarding Schools’ Organisation Nepal and the National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal regarding festival allowances for teachers and staff.
Authorities are now taking action based on the complaints received. Some employers have agreed to make the necessary payments after consulting relevant offices.
The department has also acted on grievances raised on social media, contacting the appropriate establishments to ensure adherence to the rules.
Hospital Pays 240 Employees Rs 4.254 Million
Gautam Buddha Community Heart Hospital in Rupandehi owed festival allowances to 240 employees.
After a complaint, the Labour and Employment Office in Butwal instructed the hospital to make the required payments.
They confirmed that they paid a total of Rs 4.254 million, equivalent to one month’s basic pay for each eligible employee, providing verified bank transaction documents as proof.
This demonstrates that when a complaint is filed, the labor department takes action to ensure employees receive their payments.
Other Pay Issues
Complaints to the department have included workers not receiving the correct minimum wage or facing delays in regular payments.
Department officials noted that some workers reported issues with minimum wage compliance and delayed payments.
While festival allowances are legally protected, employees may struggle to obtain these payments without contracts, pay slips, or documentation.
The department is currently investigating these complaints and reaching out to employers.
What Can Be Done?
If you believe you have not received your legally required festival allowance, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety or the Labour and Employment Office for your area.
When filing a complaint, provide clear details about your employer and situation.
If possible, keep any evidence related to your complaint, such as employment contracts, pay slips, statements, and communication with your employer.
Employers must adhere to the Labour Act. Failure to provide legally required benefits may result in consequences.
Main Issue Enforcing Rules
With over 600 complaints filed, it is clear that while rules exist, they are not always followed.
The department has already taken action in at least one case to ensure payments are made, while others are still under review.
The primary concern remains ensuring employees receive the correct benefits and that employers comply with the rules.
If you have not received your festival allowances, you can submit a complaint to the department.