Kerala Employees of US Firm Get Office Access Until July 10 After Mass Layoff – Minister to Intervene

Around 800 employees of CorroHealth Infotech Private Limited, a US-based healthcare analytics firm, who were terminated without prior notice last Friday, will be allowed access to the company's office in Kochi until a meeting with Kerala's Labour Minister on July 10, officials said.

The decision was reached at a meeting on Monday attended by Uma Thomas, MLA; Safna Nazarudeen, Labour Commissioner; employee representatives; trade unions; and the firm's legal representative in Kochi.

Employees had been denied entry to the office on Monday morning after security personnel at the co-working space said the company had instructed them not to permit entry. Following protests by trade unions including the Democratic Youth Federation of India, the All India Trade Union Congress, the Centre for Indian Trade Unions, and the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the employees were later allowed inside.

Uma Thomas said employees would be able to enter the office from Tuesday and would have access to all facilities without hindrance, as assured by the company's legal representative. The Labour Commissioner stated that the government would not take action against the company until the meeting convened by the Minister for Labour in Kochi on Friday, July 10.

The employees received a 'separation and full and final settlement' email when they reported for work last Friday, shocking the workforce. Trade unions have urged the state and central governments to reinstate the employees, arguing that the termination without notice violates workers' rights.