How to Handle a Company Threatening to Withhold Your Experience Letter and Demand Unpaid Work?

Hi All, I was working for a software company for more than 3 years. I have served my notice period. I also have the payslips for the last six months, joining letter, email proof of the last working day, bonus, and appraisal letters. However, they are very reluctant to give me the experience letter. They are also pressuring me to work for them from home without any salary after leaving my job. They are indirectly blackmailing me by threatening to include negative feedback in my experience letter or withhold the certificate altogether.

During a face-to-face discussion with my ex-boss, he began making false allegations, such as claiming that I left the office 30 minutes earlier than the permissible logout time, which seems rather trivial.

If you are willing, I would appreciate any advice on how to handle this situation as I have become frustrated and life has become miserable.

I have read your post and studied the series of problems you are facing.

Firstly, I presume your current reporting manager, HOD, and ex-reporting manager in the same company might be deliberately harassing you. The CEO or M.D. of the company might be a neutral judge in this case. You can refer this harassment to him and request the issuance of a relieving letter.

Secondly, bring this to the notice of your current employer/HR and submit all relevant evidence.

Thirdly, as far as the reference check is concerned, since you are in the service industry, you can provide references from your external customers like clients, project partners, vendors, junior colleagues, and coworkers (after taking them into confidence). If your MD or CEO is a professional person or supports your stand, you can even request him to provide your reference, which can be highly valid in this case.

Fourthly, if you do not get any support from the top management, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Labour Commissioner. Also, note that you have sufficient evidence to prove your employment with them. So do not worry if the relieving letter is not issued. However, highlight this harassment to your new employer. You can anonymously provide a highlight of your plight and harassment on Glassdoor, which is a professional website.

For any further support, please contact me.

Regards, Sumeet [Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]

Hi Sumeet, I really appreciate your kind advice. I haven't spoken with the CEO as well as the co-founder regarding this issue because of fear. But as per your advice, I will definitely bring it to their notice. Also, I am about to post my experience on Glassdoor. Thanks again.

Please go and speak to your reporting boss, manager, or HR. If they are not supporting you, then try to get the CEO's email ID and number; then, email them your issue. This will definitely sort out all your issues.

Hi Rajiv,

I hope you have managed to settle the issue. If not, please write an email to your previous employer stating that you will file a case with the Office of the Commissioner of Labour.

Regards,
Sumeet H