Bosch rejects Indian employee's charges over tax refunds

WASHINGTON: German multinational company Bosch today dismissed as "mischaracterisation of the facts" the allegations levelled against it by an Indian employee, saying as an employer, the firm is fair and abides by the legal requirements in all countries.

Suraj Kamath, working for Bosch's US subsidiary has filed a class action suit against the multinational engineering and electronics company alleging harassment over tax refunds.

"We would like to state that the plaintiffs' charges are a mischaracterization of the facts. Bosch has acted in a lawful manner and we are confident in our position," Cheryl Kilborn, Bosch spokesperson, told PTI two days after Kamath, an Indian filed a lawsuit against Bosh in a US court.

In a class action lawsuit filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, Kamath charged that Bosch unjustly enriched itself by requiring all of its non-US citizens employees to pay to Bosch federal and state tax refunds they had received while working in the US.

It is estimated that at least 160 persons are part of the class action suit. The complaint seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief.

"We are aware of this issue. It is premature for us to share further details as a lawsuit has been filed," Kilborn said.

"We reassure our stakeholders, including our valued associates, that the company has and will act fairly. As an employer, Bosch is fair and abides by the legal requirements in all countries. We ensure equal opportunities for our employees worldwide," said the Bosch spokesperson.