Quitting in reason of 25% pay cut and accusations

by Franco Alvarez

(NY)

I have worked for a company for 11 years(NY). During that time I observed a lot of things which made me wounder. About a month ago I was indirectly accused not doing my job, despite of my hard work, dedication, overtime hours, not taking vacation for 8 years, coming sick to work and barely taking personals, and not claiming any benefits including hospitality. I didn’t slow down after incident, but otherwise tried to satisfy management. Few days after another incident occurred I was accused that I don’t do my job right. Next day during a short meeting we were announced that company doesn’t generate enough income (which is not a true)and everybody will be getting 25% pay cut and hours accordingly. On a top of this a management decided to relocate office. We were told that who is not happy with a decision regarding a pay may write a resignation letter which will be “understandably” accepted. During 20 days after first incident occurred I was pressured that I’m not finishing my job on-time, or it is not done and all accusation and mental pressure she my ex-boss could come up with. Then I was personally told that I have to generate amount of billable hours which for time of the year are unreasonable. And despite I tried to work out by asking for more efficient work that company could benefit I was accused having an “aptitudo”. So pressure after pressure…during a month. My final decision to quit was after another accusation and I know it was a trick and this was a performance to get rid of unwanted employee which already happened in the past. I could not take any longer my health is my more valuable. My question is, would my action will be considered reasonable quitting or not?

Hi,

The 25 percent pay cut may be good cause as long as you didn’t continue working so long after the cut to be seen as accepting of the “substantial change to the terms and condition of further employment.

But for goodness sake, focus on what is the viable argument because that is what’s related to the actions of the employer not the other stuff an employer has the right to reasonably expect of an employee. Becoming a passive-aggressive employee to show disapproval of unreasonable demands an employer may make is unhealthy all the way around.

Additionally, when an employer moves the location of the business .. that may also (depending on the total the additional distance may tack on to travel and cost to get to work) be good cause to quit. Only, because when an employer moves a business too far .. it is a change to the original terms and conditions which might make the quit become attributable to the employer and beyond your ability to control or preserve the employment. The same logic would apply to the implications of a substantial reduction in pay.

NY Interpretations For Employer Violations of Terms and Conditions of Employment.

So yes, it’s possible, you might be able to prove good cause, but right now .. you need to narrow your focus to reasons that have a valid argument to the law .. not the legally irrelevant feelings you were experiencing at the time you quit. The law doesn’t care how you feel, only what you can prove.

Chris