ONGC drivers new overtime rule
ONGC officers in Mumbai and Delhi are upset by new rules that deduct money from their salaries when their drivers clock beyond a certain number of overtime hours.
Officers on E7 (CGM), E8 (GGM) and E9 (ED) levels are entitled to drivers for their cars, unlike officers below these levels. E9 is just below the board.
Drivers work 10 hours/day; any work beyond that is overtime. New ONGC rules issued in June 2024 say drivers of E7 officers are entitled to a maximum of Rs2000/month ($25) overtime payment.
For drivers of E8 officers, it is Rs3000/month ($37); for drivers of E9 officers, it’s Rs5000/month ($62). Any payment above this is deducted from salaries.
ONGC staff cars in Mumbai are parked at Bandra in western Mumbai or Panvel on the outskirts. Drivers' hours begin when they collect vehicles at the ONGC car parks and end when they return them at the end of the day.
With Mumbai’s traffic, it takes at least an hour for the morning drive from Bandra to the northern suburbs where many officers live and a similar time for the return trip. Senior-level officers usually work late into the evening, beyond regular working hours.
Following the new rules, senior officers have begun leaving work earlier to prevent drivers exceeding 10 hours/day. "Work suffers, but why should officers pay?" we hear.
Overtime payments depend on the vehicle type, ranging from Rs160 ($2) to Rs240/hour ($3). This amount goes to the contractor who owns the car, while the driver receives only Rs92.50/hour ($1.15), irrespective of the vehicle model.
ONGC didn’t respond to an email for comment.