Feeling Ignored and Underpaid at Work: How Should I Address This Unfair Treatment?

I have been working at NBFC Private Ltd. for the past 8 years. The company is not providing me with a bonus, unlike my other colleagues. I am also not receiving the 10% annual salary hike that all employees are supposed to get every year. Although my salary is Rs. 48,500/-, I only receive Rs. 45,500/- in my account, with only Professional Tax being deducted from my salary slip. I have been raising these issues with the company for quite some time, but they have been ignoring and harassing me. This mistreatment has led to me being admitted to the hospital, but they have shown no concern.

I kindly seek your advice on the best course of action to address this situation.

Regards, Sandeep

Addressing Workplace Concerns: A Guide

What is happening is unfortunate. Nevertheless, the pertinent question is what you were doing for the last eight years. You could have raised your query on this forum 5-6 years ago.

When employers do not give any salary hike, it only goes on to show that you are persona non grata. They are waiting for you to leave on your own. Rather than quitting the job, you held on steadfastly. It is purely the employer's call as to whose salary to increase and by what percentage. Therefore, there cannot be a dispute on this count.

Your employers are deducting Professional Tax (PT). But then, what about Provident Fund (PF)? Is it deducted, or are you kept out of the purview of this social security as well? If you wish to take on your employer, then make a formal complaint to the PF office. However, this option is fraught with risk. Your employer may try to fix you in some other issue and possibly may terminate you. This would be a far graver situation than the present one.

Communicating with Management

Have you spoken with your Manager? Since you are a long-serving employee by now, top management must know you. Did you ask for their appointment and tell them your problem? Possibly, top leadership is not happy with the quality of your work or performance. They could be thinking that allowing you to work in their company itself is a great concession; hence, there is no need to give a further salary hike. Why are you singled out from the salary hike? Have you studied the reasons?

Planning Your Career

I recommend you do a SWOT analysis of your career. Based on the SWOT analysis, prepare a career plan. Identify potential employers for you and start looking for a change.

Maintaining Health and Composure

Last but not least, please be calm and maintain your composure. Workplace issues should not impact your health. Your family members need you badly. Therefore, everything depends on your health, and taking care of your health is of paramount importance.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

While I fully agree with Mr. Divekar and Mr. Saibhakta, I have the following questions: Did the company issue an appointment letter when they appointed you? If they did, what does the appointment letter say about annual increments, bonuses, gratuity, PF, etc.?

The way private companies are run leaves a lot to be desired in terms of ethics, work culture, compliance with laws, etc. Under the circumstances, instead of allowing the existing work culture to affect your health, try to find another job for yourself. After securing one, resign from your current job. Perhaps the current employers are thinking, "Where will this guy go? After all, he has been working here for 8 years." Having an appointment letter with another company will give you better bargaining power with the management. Personally, I do not like this approach, but such companies deserve it.

Regards, [Email Removed For Privacy Reasons]