Employer harassment, compelling and bullying

Hi All,

First of all, I would like to say thank you all for your helpful suggestions. Currently, I am facing a type of difficulty with my employer. I joined as a software engineer at a small IT company in Hyderabad 1.5 years ago. During my recruitment, I had been told about a 2-year bond, a 3-month notice period, starting with a trainee salary and an appraisal after the probation period.

After completing the probationary period, my employer did not initiate my appraisal nor confirm my continuation. When I approached management and inquired about a salary hike, they mentioned that they had not evaluated my performance yet due to not assigning much work. However, during this time, I received a significant assignment which required me to travel onsite, and I completed it on time.

Upon reaching my 1-year mark, I approached them again, and this time they informed me about a due from a client and asked me to wait, as well as sign a 2-year bond from my joining date. After 1.5 years, they offered a 10% hike on my training salary, which I find unacceptable. Recently, I discovered that they plan to send me onsite for 3 months without prior notice, stating they have already spent 90k on a visa for me.

I raised concerns regarding the lack of communication before such a significant decision, as I have personal family and property matters to attend to. Despite explaining my situation, they are not willing to listen to me, and my family is also against the sudden onsite assignment.

I find myself unsure of how to handle this situation, especially given that they hold my certificates and a signed bond. There are also rumors that they may not provide me with certificates or a relieving letter.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to navigate this challenging circumstance.

Thank you.

They cannot hold your certificates. Bond will only affect the payable amount in your full and final settlement; if mentioned there, otherwise no one is bonded today.

In my opinion, talk to a higher authority and express your concerns regarding this matter. Try to resolve this issue amicably as the option of taking the last legal action is available to you.

Hi Mr. RK Singh,

Thank you for your prompt response.

Higher authority (top management) is solely responsible for all decisions and actions. There is no HR or line manager involved; everything is dictated and decided by them.

During our joining, most of us asked why we needed to hold onto our original certificates based on our experience. They simply stated that it's a company rule.

What type of legal actions can I take? Or whom should I approach, like the labour office, a lawyer, or the police?

Thank you.

Go for legal action. Get immediate help from the police. Maybe this will work out. Thereafter, contact the labor officer or a lawyer for conciliation/legal proceedings.

Original documents or certifications cannot be kept by your employer; this action is illegal. Keeping original documents is part of bonded labor and is a violation of your fundamental rights. As suggested by Mr. R. K Singh, you must approach a lawyer.

Thanks,
Manish

Thank you for your response, Mr. Manish!

If I do not provide a notice period, what type of action can the company take?