Stuck Without a Relieving Letter After 15 Years – How Can I Join My New Job on Time?

I am working in a mid-sized software company for 15 years. I have received an offer from an MNC company. I served my notice period, which ended 2 days ago, but my current company is asking me to stay for 5-6 months and is not providing me with a relieving letter. I need to join my new company in 10 days. I have requested my current company several times, but they are very rude towards me. Since I have been working in this company for 15 years, I don't want to leave without a proper exit. What should I do now?

Dear member,

It is quite dismaying to find that after serving for 15 years, you are required to go through the ordeal of an unsmooth separation. It appears that you could not develop proper contacts within the company. Even after serving for one and a half decades, your relationship remained transactional with them.

Why are the authorities rude to you?

Is your separation under normal circumstances, or is it under a negative connotation? Have you been told to submit the papers?

What about the separation of other employees?

Does the company give the same type of treatment to all the exiting employees, or have you been treated this way in isolation? If the latter is the case, then it shows that the company was depending on you and possibly they could not arrange a suitable replacement. As the news of your separation has given them a jolt, they are taking your separation to heart. At present, the authorities are reactive.

This is a test of your patience and cool-headedness. Therefore, do not lose your cool. You need to bite the bullet. Approach the MD of your company and beg for a smooth exit. Let us see whether the MD shows temperateness or remains inclement.

One of the possibilities for demonstrating rude behavior could be to bring you to your knees. They wanted to enjoy their whip as an employer, and finally, they wanted to negotiate with you on the disbursement of your last 1-2 months' salary. Giving up salary for no fault of yours is a tough call. For the sake of obtaining an unblemished service-cum-employment certificate, whether to swallow the disappointment or not is your call.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Legal Implications of Not Receiving a Relieving Letter

My company is dependent on me, so they are not providing me with a relieving letter and are asking me to stay for more than 6 months. My company's notice period is officially only 30 days. I have requested my CEO several times, but he is not accepting.

Potential Issues with Legal Action

Do we have any problems if we go legal?

Joining MNCs Without a Relieving Letter

Will MNC companies like TCS or Cognizant agree if I show my salary slips and appointment letter without a relieving letter? Please suggest.

This is really shocking to know that such things happen to employees who have had such a long journey with one organization. Definitely, MNCs will ask for a relieving letter from the previous organizations. It's one among the several other documents on their onboarding checklist.

You may request the MNC for a delay in submission citing F&F settlements. Because most organizations will process their F&F settlements within 30 days before providing the relieving order.

As Mr. Dinesh said, you have to be patient and talk to your MD. You are not alone; many companies treat their employees this way, not allowing them to have a smooth exit, nor do they consider why this employee is leaving after having worked for so many years.

Regards,

Dear Colleague,

It is highly unacceptable for the organization to treat a person who has served for 15 years poorly when he wants to leave and is facing problems. This might be due to overdependency on you by someone in your organization. This challenge must be handled very tactfully, and you should come out of it very peacefully. Have a thought on these lines and generate your way forward:

1. Whether the organization is preparing someone to replace you, and suddenly they will relieve you one day; by that time, you might have missed another offer as well. This practice is common in many organizations, and it is a bitter truth to accept.

2. As you need to receive your gratuity, PF (transfer), and experience certificate for your 15 years of service, you need to work each day to obtain your relieving. Going the legal route may result in a lengthy fight, affecting the receipt of these benefits and causing delays.

3. Not only multinational corporations but also many companies will request an experience certificate and relieving letter, especially after long-term service.

4. It is now like walking a tightrope for you to convince both your current management and the next employer suitably, while also insisting on relieving and buying time for joining to the best extent possible from the other employer. Transparently communicate the difficulties in obtaining relieving to the next employer.

5. Utilize the escalation matrix and involve your Corporate HR as this practice is truly unfair. I always say, "Organizations are great, and only a few people make them bad with their behaviors."

6. Even if you are offered a counteroffer and promises of a salary hike, it is not advisable to accept as they may secretly select someone else and terminate your employment. Therefore, it is best to decline such offers.

Handle the situation carefully, escalate through all channels, involve Corporate HR, and do not conclude discussions without obtaining proper relieving. How you confidently and tactfully handle this situation is in your hands. This practical view suggests avoiding a legal battle due to the costs involved, time consumption, and potential impact on your career focus. God Bless!!!

Joining Cognizant Without a Relieving Letter

Can a 15-year experienced Technical Architect join Cognizant by showing PF and bank statements instead of a relieving letter? My current company is not providing me with a relieving letter and is asking me to stay for six more months.

I faced the same problem in my last company, but I didn’t lose my cool. I had a word with the higher management and convinced them in the end. I was lucky enough to get my relieving letter. So, have patience and keep trying until they agree.

If things do not work out, you will have no other option but to talk to the HR manager of your new company. Tell them your situation and request that they accept any other valid document, such as salary slips, instead of a relieving letter.

Hope this answer helps you.

Have you received a resignation acceptance letter? Many reputable companies issue a resignation acceptance letter immediately upon the submission of the resignation letter. In this letter, the exact date of your release is clearly stated. I recommend discussing this matter with your current employer. If necessary, schedule a meeting with a higher-level authority and approach the conversation with patience and assertiveness. It is advisable to avoid aggressive communication as it may only have a negative impact on your side.

Please keep in mind: "Communication is not just about what you say, but also about what the other person understands."

All the best.

They are now asking me to agree to an appraisal in exchange for signing a 3-month notice period, which was initially 30 days as per my appointment letter. I submitted my resignation in December 2021 and served my 1-month notice period, but the company did not release me. They replied via email that they will release me in June. I don't have confidence in their commitment to release me. What should I do now?