: Appeals for reasonable settlement with staff : Mumbai, 3rd August, 2013 : The Press Club, Mumbai is shocked by the manner the Outlook Group has enforced a closure in its magazine units, namely Marie Claire, People and Geo. In the process, more than a 100 journalists and other non-journalist newspaper employees have been terminated in one fell swoop without so much as a formal word of intimation or compensation for the years of service.
No formal notice of closure was given nor due process followed. The employees came to know of the closure and their termination from social media, tweets and over the phone that 31 July was their last day. It also appears that the staff in Mumbai till date have not been paid their June and July salaries. No attempt was made to discuss the circumstances on why the magazines, that have functioned since 2007-08, were being shut down.
In a formal letter of protest written to the Outlook Group President, Mr Indranil Roy, the Press Club has pointed out that this behavior is not to be expected from a responsible media house. Business conditions may take a downturn; but that is no excuse for arbitrary action against those who have steadfastly served the company and its various magazines for over 5 years.
The Press Club has also pointed out that the closure and termination is illegal. Termination of employees must follow the due process of law and be accompanied by proper notice, reasons for termination and simultaneous payment of dues. Some of the staff were fired over the phone! Since Outlook Publishing Pvt Ltd has over 100 employees on its rolls, the company is also in violation of Section 25(O) of the Industrial Disputes Act that makes it mandatory to seek permission from the Labour Commissioner for closure of any of the departments and retrenchment of its employees.
Given these circumstances, the Press Club commends the move by a section of Mumbai journalists and staff who have approached the Industrial Court and have secured an injunction against termination without due process of law. The Press Club has also appealed to the Outlook management to enter into negotiations with the staff to ensure they are gainfully employed or a suitable severance package is negotiated with them.
President
Press Club, Mumbai
