Facing a Transfer Dilemma: How to Handle a Minimal Salary Hike and Ultimatum?

Presently, I am working at the Kolkata location. In April 2024, we discussed transferring to Patna. I clearly told them that I did not have any issue with the transfer but needed a hike (I told them the exact amount). They said at that time it was OK. But now they have increased my salary by a very small amount and asked me to transfer or resign.

Transfer as a tool to terminate an employee

Transfer as a tool to terminate an employee or an employee resigning is unfair. However, if there is no written communication stating that you should either move to Patna or resign, you cannot challenge it. Mere transfer is a service condition and cannot be challenged either. It is up to you to make a decision, whether to move or to leave. If you are not satisfied with the hike offered, you will have to resign. There is no other alternative.

Hi, Please check your contract of employment terms and conditions. There should be a clause safeguarding the rights of the management stating that "the company reserves its right to transfer to any of its other branches." If so, as mutually agreed terms and conditions, you are supposed to obey the transfer order. Whether to accept your request for a salary hike or not will be at the discretion of the management, and you cannot claim it as a matter of right. You can request time to report, which will be the maximum you can do, or you may resign and look for another offer.

Dear member,

The previous two senior members have clarified the legal position of your case. Rather than the actual need, I feel that your transfer has more to do with the internal dynamics of the company. How are your relations with the higher authorities of your company? Are they satisfied with your performance? Is your transfer a ploy? This is because the transfer to another city displaces a well-established employee. The displacement, in turn, creates unsuitable conditions for the employee and his/her family. When the unsuitable conditions outweigh the benefits of the transfer, the employee resigns.

Otherwise, the decision may be based on plain economics as well. The authorities concerned could be of the view that the cost of living in Patna is lower compared with Kolkata. Therefore, the transfer may not impose an additional financial burden on the employee. Hence the transfer with a marginal salary hike.

The decision whether to accept the transfer or resign from the job is purely yours. Various factors are involved while making a decision: children's education, filial responsibilities, spouse's employment, etc. Above all, consider how far you and your family are rooted in the culture of Kolkata. Since you will be transferred out of state, you will need to adjust to a new place that has a dissimilar culture. Are you and your family prepared to put up with the dissimilarity?

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar