Hi,
With reference to the above, I would like to bring a few points to your notice and seek possible suggestions.
I am employed with an IT company in Bangalore, having signed a bond/service agreement letter for 2 years. I started working with this company in January 09. Initially, everything was going well, and I was working day and night to meet the necessary deadlines. However, things started becoming difficult as time went on. Here are a few incidents that occurred:
1. Firstly, they reduced my salary to almost 30% of what was offered at the time of joining the organization.
2. When I inquired about this, it was explained that this action was due to the recession, which I found untrue. All other employees either received a hike or no change, but in my case, this action was taken.
3. As time passed, my supervisor began ill-treating me in various ways. According to the policy, employees could claim cab/taxi expenses after office hours, especially late at night. However, when I utilized this service and submitted a claim, he accused me of being late due to not completing tasks within the scheduled time, which was not the case for other employees.
4. After office hours, snacks were provided to employees staying back. Although I also availed of this benefit, my supervisor accused me of staying for snacks rather than work. This incident occurred in March 09, just three months after joining the organization.
5. The situation worsened as my supervisor started insulting me in front of my team members, labeling me as incapable. This led other colleagues, even juniors, to follow suit. Feeling distressed, I requested some days of unpaid leave from my supervisor, but he misinterpreted it as a plan to leave and involved a corporate lawyer, who threatened me. This incident occurred in September 09.
In October 09, when everyone else received their salaries, I didn't. The reason given was that I needed a guarantor to complete the bonding process. I explained that only my wife could sign as a guarantor, but they insisted on a professional guarantor.
After much effort, I managed to get my salary credited in October 2009. However, despite my attempts, I couldn't find a professional guarantor, leading to non-payment of my salary in November 09. Frustrated, I demanded either my salary or release from duty. Threats of legal action were made, causing further distress.
Upon reviewing the agreement, I found a clause stating that any changes in the agreement or company policy render the agreement void. I have requested to be released from the organization or have a new bond as per the agreement.
My questions are:
1. Is this clause valid?
2. Considering the changes in salary and policies post-agreement, how should I proceed legally?
I would have been willing to complete my bond period, but the circumstances have forced me to make this decision. I would appreciate any legal advice on this matter.
Thanks,
Sanji.
With reference to the above, I would like to bring a few points to your notice and seek possible suggestions.
I am employed with an IT company in Bangalore, having signed a bond/service agreement letter for 2 years. I started working with this company in January 09. Initially, everything was going well, and I was working day and night to meet the necessary deadlines. However, things started becoming difficult as time went on. Here are a few incidents that occurred:
1. Firstly, they reduced my salary to almost 30% of what was offered at the time of joining the organization.
2. When I inquired about this, it was explained that this action was due to the recession, which I found untrue. All other employees either received a hike or no change, but in my case, this action was taken.
3. As time passed, my supervisor began ill-treating me in various ways. According to the policy, employees could claim cab/taxi expenses after office hours, especially late at night. However, when I utilized this service and submitted a claim, he accused me of being late due to not completing tasks within the scheduled time, which was not the case for other employees.
4. After office hours, snacks were provided to employees staying back. Although I also availed of this benefit, my supervisor accused me of staying for snacks rather than work. This incident occurred in March 09, just three months after joining the organization.
5. The situation worsened as my supervisor started insulting me in front of my team members, labeling me as incapable. This led other colleagues, even juniors, to follow suit. Feeling distressed, I requested some days of unpaid leave from my supervisor, but he misinterpreted it as a plan to leave and involved a corporate lawyer, who threatened me. This incident occurred in September 09.
In October 09, when everyone else received their salaries, I didn't. The reason given was that I needed a guarantor to complete the bonding process. I explained that only my wife could sign as a guarantor, but they insisted on a professional guarantor.
After much effort, I managed to get my salary credited in October 2009. However, despite my attempts, I couldn't find a professional guarantor, leading to non-payment of my salary in November 09. Frustrated, I demanded either my salary or release from duty. Threats of legal action were made, causing further distress.
Upon reviewing the agreement, I found a clause stating that any changes in the agreement or company policy render the agreement void. I have requested to be released from the organization or have a new bond as per the agreement.
My questions are:
1. Is this clause valid?
2. Considering the changes in salary and policies post-agreement, how should I proceed legally?
I would have been willing to complete my bond period, but the circumstances have forced me to make this decision. I would appreciate any legal advice on this matter.
Thanks,
Sanji.