Hi,
Here I am sharing a very interesting case which is related to me. I am seeking your honest guidance.
I was working in India office of one of the top 3 Chinese Company as an Associate Director. I worked there till 15 months. Initially
I was hired on 3rd party payroll. During my 1st probation period, Company was so happy with my performance that within 2.5 months only they themselves decided to transfer me from 3rd party to Company’s payroll.
They gave one month bonus also just after 4 months job only. Within 6 months from joining date, they gave me ‘Best New Joiner award’ also (out of approx. 130 members) and just before this award, i was sent to China in Jan month to train people there.
Just after total 7 months, they gave me approx. 20% increment and 2 months bonus also. All was going too well. I was being presented like the best example to all employees across all offices in India, China, Indonesia and Russia.
Due to my great performance and problem solving approach (I solved several big issues and saved company from several big problems. That was not my job profile), I was given several big task and new responsibilities were given to me.
But in October month, unexpected thing happened. I was supposed to go for a meeting to decide for next 6 months’ targets for entire team at 6.30pm but just 2 minutes before the meeting, I was asked to meet International HR Head and two other concern persons. When I entered in the room, within 10 seconds of the conversation, I was given a termination letter without any reason.
I requested them to tell me the reason, but they denied telling. International HR Head simply said that it is written in your appointment letter at Point No. 8B that your services can be terminated without any reason and any time.
Two important rules mentioned in appointment letter:-
1. According to rule no. 8B – your appointment can be terminated by the company without any reason, by giving you not less than 1 month prior notice in writing or salary in lieu thereof. For the purpose of this clause salary shall mean basic salary.
2. According to rule no. 8D – The company reserves the right to terminate your employment summarily without any notice period or termination payment if it has reasonable ground to believe that you are guilty of misconduct or negligence or have committed any fundamental breach of contract of caused any loss to the company.
In my termination letter, rule no.8B was mentioned.
Points to be noted:-
1. They have given my salary of October month, with unpaid leaves and probably basis salary of November month as well.
2. I do not care about money. I am worried about my image and respect. I am into my industry for last 18 years and I have goodwill there. In my last two companies (Both are two biggest brands of the industry), my resignation was never accepted due to my great performance and value.
3. Appointment letter was not given at the day of joining. It was given almost after 45 days.
4. When I got a call from local HR person first time about job offer, I asked about such conditions, she denied. Rule No.8B was not mentioned in the appointment given from 3rd party but when I got transferred from 3rd party to company’s direct payroll, and then it was mentioned. 2nd point is that appointment letter from company (Direct Payroll) was given after almost 45 days. Signature was done in back date.
5. I have such a great image there that everybody is shocked and shattered. This incident has given a message to all employees that if it can be done with me, then it can be done with anybody and anytime.
My questions:-
1. Is it ethical termination?
2. Can I sue them for wrongful termination?
3. Can I sue them for defamation because it has damaged my image in the industry? How can someone believe that a best performer was removed with no reason?
4. Well, appointment was signed by me and rules no.8B is mentioned there; still can it be challenged in court successfully?
5. If I send notice to them, can it back fire to me?
6. If company does not disclose such termination clauses in written at the time of offering job, can it be challenged in court because if company discloses such termination rules at the time of job offer, no one would join them. It means company is cheating with employees. Employees have to sign the appointment letter because as they get job offer letter, they resign in their current company and when they join this Chinese company, then company give this appointment letter with termination rule which employees can not reject otherwise they lose both jobs. Due to this, employees’ retention ratio is poor in this company in India office.
Hope for the correct response and guidance
Thanks
