Employer being tricky and trying to be cheap. Any suggestions? 13

[MechEngineer2012]

Dear All,

Approximately eight months ago, I joined a new company (5th of my career) The initial phase was promising, marked by a steep learning curve as I strived for productivity and commendable outcomes. My responsibilities involve document preparation and submission for managerial approval.

However, after five months, a monthly performance review initiated by my manager revealed concerns about my performance. The issues raised seemed minor and left me perplexed. Examples include omitting due dates when requesting information from other departments, occasional oversights in document details submitted for approval, and other minor details. I was not 100% accurate.

This monthly review cycle persisted, with minor issues magnified as major deficiencies. In the third monthly review, I was informed that I had failed, and my salary would be reduced by 30%. I was also notified that, in a different company, my employment might have been terminated. This development has led me to question whether these repeated observations are a deliberate strategy to justify a salary reduction.

I am actively exploring alternative job opportunities, but I am curious to know your perspective on whether this employer has the potential to change. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[geotechguy1]

They wont change, I've ran into a few companies that do this as a strategy, although it's more common when they have something like an overseas migrant on a sponsored visa.

Start looking for a new job and absolutely torch them on Glassdoor

 

[271828]

Sounds like a nightmare. Something like from the movie Office Space. I've never heard of anything like that in my world.

At your previous four positions did your supervisors think you did poorly on these same items? If "no" then it seems like you need to find a better employer.

 

[GregLocock]

They'd be heading off to court in Australia. If someone's performance is substandard they get put on a Performance Improvement Program, which is taken seriously even in small companies. I don't know of any engineers or the like who have been on a PIP and still got fired, but it would all have to be documented.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[MechEngineer2012]

Geotechguy1:

Thanks for your advice. I am looking actively. But I am still trying to understand why they actually want to reduce my salary. I need to find a way to prove that I deserve the current pay.

271828:

No, my past bosses didn't face these problems with me.

GregLoCock:

In Australia, does the content of a performance improvement plan (PIP) matter? For example, can they include small mistakes like accidentally breaking a glass the previous week or sending an email to the wrong person (by mistake)? I am asking this to see If I have a legal option to take in the US.

 

[dik]

Not likely in the US...

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[SWComposites]

This situation is insanity. Highly doubt they will change. Are there other non management engineers at the company that you can talk to about their experiences?

Possibilities:
- these people are complete jerks
- they are trying to drive you away without having to fire you
- both of the above

In any case, find a new job ASAP. But don’t discuss the issues with the current company with any company that you interview with. And don’t post about this company until you are well settled into a new job (and be careful even then).

 

[IRstuff]

But I am still trying to understand why they actually want to reduce my salary. I need to find a way to prove that I deserve the current pay.

That's pointless; simply try to see if they telegraphed their intentions prior to this, note the symptoms, and move on. Psychoanalyzing them is not going to be fruitful; they are either a-holes to start with, or they are horrible business people who couldn't maintain their bottom line. Either way, leave as soon as you can and chalk it up to plain old bad luck. You have nothing to prove; they already know you deserver your original salary, since they paid it for 3 months.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[GregLocock]

I don't know anything more about PIPs than I've said, but if a PIP was silly in some way then the court would take that into account when contemplating the claim for unfair dismissal.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[CWB1]

Financial games could be afoot or your supervisor/employer could simply be trying to force you to quit. If you're genuinely curious I would quietly ask other employees' experience with reviews, paysetting, and expectations. Neither would surprise me.

I don't know of any engineers or the like who have been on a PIP and still got fired,

Stateside those are just a formality to establish the paper-trail prior to firing someone for-cause. I only recall a few who didnt immediately resign and none allowed to remain long thereafter. Accepting a PIP opens the door for games bc an employee's poor performance is no longer a slanderous opinion if stated publicly but instead fact. Typically when employees are underperforming decent employers give multiple chances informally then either promote into a hidden corner or let the employee go with a small severance blaming business/economic conditions.

 

[Latexman]

Are they going to "claw back" the 30% they say you were overpaid?

Good Luck,
Latexman

 

[271828]

...or your supervisor/employer could simply be trying to force you to quit.

I'd bet a small sum of money on this theory.

It seems like a not-so-subtle message that you need to make yourself scarce. At least you would be able to resign and not get canned. That would look better as you make your next move.

 

[LittleInch]

First question is do you have a contract of employment? It staggered me the other day to find out that many in the US don't.

Even if they do, many have "probation" periods at the start to address issues, but a 30% pay cut after three months sounds rather draconian.

Second is what size of company is this and do they have separate HR type functions or not?


but get out fast is clearly what they want you to do.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[Stick.]

You may want to familiarize yourself with the term "constructive dismissal"; it might be relevant here (I could be wrong though). Also good to familiarize yourself with any employment protections that may exist in your state, while simultaneously finding another job. If they're this scummy, don't hold out for change. Oh, and this would be a good time to keep lot of notes on meetings with your company and such, just in case lawyers get involved down the road.

 

[phamENG]

"probation" periods at the start to address issues, but a 30% pay cut after three months sounds rather draconian.

Agreed. Most companies that I've heard of/dealt with that feel the need to really 'use' the probationary periods start you off at probationary pay. If you perform well, you get a raise. If you are 'acceptable' you stay on and don't get a raise. Fail, and you're gone.

 

[Aesur]

I'm not taking the side of the company here; but there are always two sides to everything and we are only hearing one. How long have you been practicing engineering? What was it like at the other companies and why did you leave? Maybe they are trying to cut costs, maybe they realized you need more experience to hit profit targets, maybe they are jerks and this was their plan all along, it's impossible for us to say. If you feel you are being mistreated and are not happy, the best option is to find another job.

 

[MintJulep]

Looking back on your history of posting questions here:

https://www.eng-tips.com/userinfo.cfm?member=MechEngineer2012

Especially this one: thread765-502104

suggests that some serious and honest self-evaluation might be helpful for you.

 

[geesaman.d]

FWIW the USA is no better. Most states here are "at will" employment, meaning they can terminate you for any reason at any time.

There are also no rules regarding decent treatment of employees - my girlfriend works for a major telecom and they are laying off vast numbers of experienced people and hiring back most positions as contract employees instead. What's worse, is they are trying to minimize actual layoffs (expense of severance and unemployment insurance), shutting down major offices, and intentionally forcing employees to relocate unreasonable distances to just a handful of offices nationwide. One guy we know is commuting nearly two hours each way every day now. This is completely legal and forcing people to quit.

It can also be done to an individual - make their life uncomfortable enough that the employee just goes away.

 

[CWB1]

Why should any of that be considered illegal or indecent? Businesses and workers both need to adapt to changing economic conditions and shouldn't take anything for-granted - not their jobs, health, or even being above the dirt. If your location earns little/no profit, is redundant, or has other issues then its common-sense to prepare for layoffs. If you've chosen to live in a decent area layoffs mean your next employer pays you more, if not its an opportunity to improve your life. Regardless, the only answer to my question is bc entitled folks make bad decisions and would rather others suffer.

 

[dik]

and therein lies the problem...

-----*****-----
So strange to see the singularity approaching while the entire planet is rapidly turning into a hellscape. -John Coates

-Dik