Feeling Trapped at Work: Can Indian Law Protect Me from Broken Promises?

Hi All, I am working in a BPO in a traveling process. I completed my IATA certification last month, and because of that, I got a good job opportunity. I told my manager that I have to resign now, and they offered me to move to the sales department where I can get a good opportunity to earn. I trusted them and missed the other opportunity. It's been almost 2 months now, but still, my movement to the sales department is on hold. I have been talking to my higher authorities in my company but am not getting any positive response, and moreover, have been insulted by top officials. They have made me feel like a beggar. I have been feeling really helpless. Are there any provisions in Indian law that protect the interests of employees from such exploitation?

Regards, H. Sood

I am surprised by your IATA certification. What benefit could you have gained in the sales department? If you ask me, I believe you are responsible for the decision to continue with this BPO based on your own interest and understanding. I feel you should not blame anyone for that.

Opportunity and Decision Making

Opportunity knocks once, and our smartness is to grab it at the right moment. I guess you missed that one earlier. Nevertheless, instead of wasting your time on "discussing Indian Law on how to Axe your bosses/company," try approaching the company that offered you the job you missed or start afresh searching for a new job.

On a lesser note, I feel there is no law in India that would support your case.

Wish you good luck.

Regards,
Ukmitra

I personally feel that you should immediately start looking for another job without losing your patience.

Well, before going further or saying anything about "Provisions in Indian Laws" that you are expecting or wish to know, I would like to present a few questions for you, Mr. Sood, which will help me and other members understand your query, your current situation, and provide you with appropriate answers.

1. For how many years/months/days have you been working with your present employer?
2. What do you think the "Sales jobs" entail?
3. In which area of function do your job responsibilities fall, and what is your designation with your present employer (BPO)?
4. What do you perceive as the differences between your present job responsibilities and the sales departmental jobs?
5. You were considering resigning but changed your mind based on verbal promises by your seniors to transfer you to the sales department. Does this offer really make you feel satisfied, or was the offer better than the opportunity you found based on your IATA Certification?
6. What do you mean by exploitation?
7. Could you explain what you mean by "insulted by top officials" and "They have made me feel like a beggar"?

Looking forward to your answers.

Understanding Exploitation in the Workplace

Exploitation refers to situations where management makes promises to employees without fulfilling them. For instance, Mr. Sood remained without a proper confirmation letter, which is a form of exploitation.

The best course of action in such scenarios is to seek employment elsewhere.

Regards,

Addressing Employment Law Violations in India

Please do answer the queries put forth by Mr. Anil. Your response will help others too. I have read your post with interest and I agree with your allegations.

The private sector in India, especially the small companies, is yet to understand the employer-employee relationship. They indulge in flagrant violations of employment laws and treat their employees in a master-slave/servant relationship. They have scant regard for human rights or human dignity.

This is the mindset that we have to change. One way is to let market forces correct this. However, in the skewed demand-supply situation, this does not seem feasible.

Another way is to strengthen the laws and regulations and ensure strict compliance with them. Also, to promote professionalism in HR, who should be empowered and made responsible for issues related to employees and working conditions. There is no certification or statutory body for HR professionals, unlike for doctors, lawyers, CAs, and ICWAs. The only ones we have are those related to working in factories and mines. Any other legislation that exists does not touch upon a large majority of employees or issues.

Your case is an example where there are no laws governing your situation. Thus, the employer has absolute latitude to deal as he pleases without any worries except for social or professional ostracism, if any.

The time has come to go beyond these and to have standard terms and conditions covering every human aspect of industries and businesses. At CiteHR, we are endeavoring to network with HR professionals and to create momentum to bring about such desired changes and developments.

Warm regards.

I am working in a company for the last 4 months handling pan-India operations. I am on leave for 10 days, and during this time, I received a registered post regarding a transfer to Tamil Nadu. There have been no discussions regarding such a transfer. Off the record, HR has suggested that I should resign due to issues with my boss. They are insisting on the transfer and have even made false allegations, which they have now acknowledged were incorrect. They are now stating that the transfer is just part of their standard process. Please advise me on my rights in this situation.