I work at an IT company that was recently purchased by a larger IT blob. My job was to create reports on performance, ticket status, scheduling health, communication failures, and use any 'freetime' for ARUBA studies.
This position was 85% remote, paid $26/hr, and was a great stepping stone to what I wanted to do in the future.
When the company was purchased, my entire department was removed. Some people merged with other departments, some were laid off, and others found new jobs. While this was going on, I was asked to help with some onsite work for a client. I did, and received compliments from the VP of the client for helping save their project. It's not something I normally do, but I had a little experience.
I asked for a raise. I was given an $0.81 raise and told that more was possible in the future. Not great, but better than nothing.
That was the last contact from my former boss before my company tried to transfer me to another department.
The client asked for more help. My company, the 'new' department, said I would help them again. I said I would be able to help for a short period of time, but that I need to continue my old job duties soon and that I can't afford 100% travel for financial and personal reasons. This was shrugged at, but I did the some of the work because I liked the client.
This project is still in progress.
I was asked to transfer to a Service Engineer II position full time, and told that my previous position no longer exists. I said I would consider accepting the new position, but would require compensation for the new travel and hours requirements.
They rejected, saying that I am “lacking the education, experience, and certifications required for the position,” and that I “already make more than the position would normally offer.” I was given a description for the job as is, and I would make $1/hr less and lose 40 hours of PTO.
I have worked in IT for 10 years. I have worked at the company for 5. I never went to school for the work, but I do have certifications.
I replied that I would be unable to accept the position, seeing that I'm unqualified, and requested they either find me a similar software/reporting remote position, or compensate me for the new liability of the work and additional costs of 100% travel. They also wanted me to have more 'available' hours. I asked they change me to salary and give me a raise for the increased availability.
They rejected again, and insisted I didn't have a choice.
I rejected the new position again, showed a signed agreement of my current position's responsibilities and pay (which includes only 15% travel and no overtime), and asked they make a decision: Increase my pay, find a different job that's remote, or lay me off so I can file for unemployment while I look for other work.
The Service Engineer II position is a hardware deployment position. I work software. This is like asking a plumber to do the wiring in a house. They insist this is comparable to my previous job. The manager of the client job is confused that this is happening, saying “But you've done such a great job so far, we're sure you'd do very well!”
“I agree, I have been doing well. But a precedent isn't a guarantee, otherwise you guys would have no issue with giving me a pay raise for the work. I can now only agree that I am unqualified for the work. Since I'm unqualified, I am uncomfortable accepting a position outside of my field and will have to request something in line with my scope. I do not want to be responsible when I am suddenly unable to do the work because I am unqualified.”
Pick: Am I good at what I do, or am I unqualified?
They chose, again, that I'm unqualified.
HR of the large company that purchased us now steps in. They insist the pay for the position is more than the average. A quick look at listings for the position shows this is a lie. I ask again for the same things, and they again insist I'm unqualified and 'should consider myself lucky to receive the offer.'
I, for the Nth time, declined and said I feel no sort of lucky being offered a job I do not have the qualifications for. Then I asked how their clients would feel knowing they're being charged full rates for an unqualified engineer?
Their HR rep sent an email saying that any further rejection of the new position will be considered a notice of resignation.
I responded “I am not resigning. Should ___ find me a suitable position, I will happily accept. If they are unable to find a position I am qualified for that is comparable to my current title, they will have to make a decision regarding my future employment status. While they make the decision I will continue with my normal jobs duties, as were agreed upon, in writing, when I was hired.”
I haven't gotten a response yet.
I have all of these conversations in writing, and I feel like I have the advantage here, but I have no clue honestly.
Imagine telling an employee you're so desperate to keep that they're not qualified for the work you want them to do because you don't want to pay them fairly, while simultaneously trying to screw them out of unemployment. Another guy started the same job last week, brand new to the company, and would be making exactly the same amount even though he has no work experience.
I very recently was advised by my doctor that I shouldn't be driving. I have an appointment this Monday to figure out if that's a long-term issue. I feel it would be a special kind of irony if I am told I am medically unfit for travel.