It is a well-known fact that a majority of the population is employed in the private sector.
Though it is always considered that lots of perks come with a good and permanent government job where there is job security too, however with the latest norms and developments, getting a job in the private sector holds great reputation and importance too.
Not only are government employees entitled to rights, but even the private sector employees are equally entitled to certain rights and duties during the course of their employment.
Along with this, such rights also safeguard the employees from discrimination based on age, race, religion, gender, interest protection and also entitle them with a right to privacy and fair remuneration.
However, there is also a possibility to face discrimination while working in the private sector, and here the need to hire commercial, employment & family lawyers in Melbourne comes at.
These lawyers are professional enough to give you the practical advice and legal help you may need at any stage of your life.
Apart from this, in the article below, we will also help you know some of the basic and essential rights; every private employee is entitled to. Let us have a look:-
1. Employment Agreement
During the course of employment, being an employee of the company, you are entitled to get a written agreement duly signed by the employer before the actual joining.
Such a written document contains all the important terms and conditions of employment, the rights and duties, and the obligations of both the employer and the employee. Such a well-written agreement binds both parties legally.
Therefore legal actions can also be pursued in case of any disputes, as mentioned clearly in the agreement.
2. Leave
Whether you are working in the public or private sector, each and every employee is entitled to a set of leaves.
As an employee, you can get casual leave (for urgent matters only, like a family emergency), paid leave (no deductions in salary, but can be availed monthly, quarterly, or annually), sick leave (fixed number of sick leaves are allowed), and other leaves which may include unpaid leaves for which the employer can deduct the amount from the salary.
3. Timely Payment of Remuneration
According to the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, each and every employee working in a private sector must be paid within a prescribed time limit after necessary deductions like TDS and provident fund, etc.
There is also a provision to file a suit before the Labour Commissioner if remuneration is not done in a timely manner.
4. Maternity Benefits
Maternity leave is yet another essential right that is given to a female employee for a period of 26 weeks and is availed during pregnancy or after delivery. Some private companies also allow paternity leave to let the father take care of his newly born baby.
5. Gratuity
As per the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, this is a retirement benefit that is paid to an employee at the time of termination, retirement, resignation, or at the death of the employee.
It is usually paid to employees who have completed at least five years of continuous service to the company. Lawyers can be consulted to take legal action against the employer if the employee doesn’t receive the gratuity amount.
6. Provident Fund
When you as an employee working in a private company, some percentage/ part of your salary is kept or invested in EPF, which is directly transferred by the employer in PF accounts.
The contribution by both the employee and employer is also maintained properly by EPFO, which stands for Employees Provident Fund Organization.
7. Protection From Sexual Harassment
Last but not least, in the year 2013, the Sexual Harassment of Women on the Job Act was enacted by the government to prevent harassment of women sexually at workplaces. Any case of sexual harassment in the office can lead to imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine, or both.
To Conclude
So, these are some of the fundamental rights that being an employee of a private company, you must be aware of.
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