I have been working as an IT consultant with the company for 3 years.
Joined the company on a contract basis for 1.5 years, along with 20 other people (who joined on payroll)
My annual salary at the time was 3 lakhs, their's was 1.5 lakhs.
After 1.5 years, my contract expired and I was hired on the payroll with a lower annual salary of 2.75 lakhs.
Now, after 3 years, the revised salary offered to me is 3.8 lakhs. (3 to 3.8 over 3 years)
My colleagues who joined with me are earning 5.25 lakhs. (1.5 to 5.25 over 3 years)
My performance has been officially reviewed as "brilliant", and I have been given multiple awards by the organization for my achievements. I am the only "certified" consultant from my group. I also have the most prestigious education degree. My market value outside the company is around 6.8 lakhs per annum.
My senior most management has told me that the maximum they can offer me is a 40% increase as per the HR policies. Despite having given the other colleagues a 100% increases, this is what they have told me. When I mention that exceptions have been made for others, they say that is just a rumor. When I offer proof via their payslips, they threaten to penalize me or them for leaking confidential information.
What can someone in my position do? Is legal action an option at all?
