Legal Question in Technology Law in Michigan

Company - Relocation Exp.

I joined a MI based company. The employment was on 'at will' terms but I was required to work for the company at least for 1 1/2 years. Failing which, I would be reuired to Pay the relocation exp.

I was removed from the project and my work was assigned to my-coworker who was close to my manager. The company again relocated me but in the process reduced my salary. According the manager it was as per company's rule.

A friend of mine was also relocated to same project and from him I came to know that his salary was reduced by 6000 USD/ per annum where as in my case it was reduced by 8000 USD /per annum.

Seeing this kind of discrmination and an earlier advice of my manager, I seeked a different job and resigned from the company as I was not in a position to fight against the treatment they did to me.

Now the company is asking me to pay back re-location and other expenses.

I did not leave the company with my wish, but the circumstances forced me to leave.

Under the circumstances what are the options before me.

Am I liable to pay the expenses? What help can I get from the law for the unfair treatment.

Your legal advice will be higly appreciated.


Asked on 12/24/01, 10:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Workman Law Offices of Thomas Workman

Re: Company - Relocation Exp.

The question to be answered is whether you quit or were terminated from your job. The law defines a category called "constructiive termination" which amounts to a company making it so miserable for you that you have no choice but to "quit". Cutting your wages back is one thing they could do. An attorney needs to help you frame the issues so that you would be able to qualify as a "constructively terminated" employee, and therefor not have to pay back any of the relocation money. You may also qualify for unemployment compensation. Every day you wait, you lose benefits. Contact an attorney near where you are living.

Tom Workman

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Answered on 12/26/01, 8:15 pm


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