Chairman offering reduced salary to relocate employee back from remote location

I have been in this Group of Companies for last 3 years and 4 months. I worked in different departments like Sale & Marketing Coordinator, Logistics Contrller, Public Relation Officer, HR & Admin Executive etc...

Company sent me to its regional office in an east african country to establish administration office around 5 months before with a promise that I would be called back within 30-40 days. After the completion of my task, I requested them to call me back; but still not.

Last day, as a response to my mail to our Chairman's our Group's admin manager called me: "Chairman would call you back if you agree to work with a reduced salary of 25%. But you will get a raise in position as 'Logistics Controller' of the group of companies". (he also told me that the present Logistics controller will be terminated - he is taking 70% more salary than my present salary!).

What to do? How to tackle this situation?

Please help... I will get another call today.

hi mammu,

suggest that if you want to get back, take a 25% cut. come back and review the situation. if still not satisfied, there are opportunities aplenty. you have handled diverse roles, helps in changing jobs as you give the option on multi disciplinary roles.

not able to understand the last part - 70% more pay as Logistics Controller but the role will be terminated - kindly clarify to help respond better. from what I understand it seems they want you to stay back (is it a threat about termination?)

...not able to understand the last part - 70% more pay as Logistics Controller but the role will be terminated - kindly clarify to help respond better. from what I understand it seems they want you to stay back (is it a threat about termination?)[/QUOTE]

Thank you very much Ramesh... I get more self confidence after reading your reply, thanks again!!

What I tried to explain in the last part is....

There is a 'Logistic Controller' for our group Head office. He is taking 70% more salary than me. What company thinking is to terminate him and put me in the same position. Same time, my salary is reduced too!!

A double play by company!

the Logistics guy may not fit into the management scheme of things - not good or paid high which the company feels is unwarranted. since you have performed in several roles and they are satisfied with you, they are willing to bring you back.

first thing is come back. then negotiate successfully. you are doing 3-4 roles but being paid for one - ask them for a higher pay once you are back. don't talk tough, just tell the
management that you are happy to be back and once there you can re-negotiate it.

there's always the last option of quitting and moving on.

Actually they want me to continue in Africa; if I leave here, admin department will be in trouble. But I wrote Chairman directly to call me back. The way I wrote, he couldnt refuse I think.

You dont know the difficulty to manage administration & public relation department in an African country. Never, Never take such an offer!!!

hi mammu,

I understand problems in Africa, seeing BBC News regularly (where in depth analysis is done) I suggested that you accept the role you have been offered in the earlier place, which is Middle East (With a salary cut of 25%) and not in Africa. Africa's mess that will take herculean efforts to sort out. that's what I said when I asked you to get back and look at alternatives if things don't work out.

You are thinking right Mr. Ramesh. The import & export of the company has cut down to 50-60% after November 2008. So the company thinks why they have to pay the same salary for this position even after one year.

I think they should have talked to present Logistics Controller. He might have refused reduction. Then next option within the company is me. They are bargaining with me too.

Anyway, I agree with your last line. I have already posted my Resume in 2, 3 sites.... many of the companies considering my RESUEME. I am confident!

Mammu - Good luck!

You are now confident about what you have to do..

Hello Mammu,

I have been going thru the conversation between you and Mr. Ramesh.
I say what you both have discussed makes sense.. Don't try to negotiate or talk terms. Just analyze your role in the company. When you reach the parent location.. Go talk to your level head or the chairman..

If you think they can't get your position replaced, I believe that you can win the negotiation. Again keep your resume updated on Job portals..

All The Best !

Thanks for all the instructions dears....

I am waiting for the next move from Management side.

Thanks for your supports...