Can My Company Change My Notice Period Without My Consent? What Should I Do?

Hi all, I have been working with a multinational company for the last 5 years. As per my appointment letter, my notice period is one month. Last year, I received an appraisal letter where I was promoted to a senior level, and the notice period was changed to 2 months. Recently, I was sent abroad for a project, and prior to my travel, no discussions or official communications were made regarding any contract to be signed or any change in the notice period.

Upon my return, I have been verbally informed by a superior that my notice period has been changed to six months. I haven't received any letter or official communication through mail regarding this, and the communication is just verbal. I haven't agreed to the change either. Though I am not planning to leave immediately, I feel cheated and pressured into accepting something I don't want.

Query Regarding Notice Period Changes

My query is, is it possible for a company to unilaterally decide a change in the notice period without consultation with the employee and without any verbal or signed consent from the employee? If I am served with an amendment letter, what should I do? If I refuse to accept the amended notice period, is it still valid, and when I resign, am I liable to serve the six-month notice period?

Please help.

Discussion on Foreign Trip and Notice Period Changes

The company should have discussed the entire matter of the foreign trip with you, including any changes to the notice period as a result of the trip or project. Mutual agreement is necessary, and this should be documented properly before altering the notice period from what was originally stipulated in the appointment order. If you now resign and want a one-month notice period, the company may create problems. It is best to discuss with the company and reach a mutually agreed notice period. The company always has the upper hand; you need relieving documents when you exit, but the company might create issues. The alternative you have is a judicial remedy, which is time-consuming. Therefore, on some matters, one needs to negotiate and compromise in practical terms.

Inquiry About Notice Period Changes for Other Employees

Has your company made the same change in the notice period for other employees who have been deputed abroad? Discreetly find out from other employees as well.

Regards

Thank you, sir, for the reply.

So far, the matter hasn't been brought up again. A performance and pay review is happening soon, so maybe they are planning to bring it up then. I know for a fact that a colleague who traveled abroad around the same time as I was given a pay review letter with a 3-month notice period, so it's not uniform for everyone. Before the situation comes where this is discussed again, I wanted to be sure of my rights as an employee.