What recourse do I have if my employer changes my job title which is deemed a downgrade for future promotional opportunities?
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What recourse do I have if my employer changes my job title which is deemed a downgrade for future promotional opportunities?
I have been with company for 15 years and strived to make it to a business consultant role. Returned from a 3 week military commitment and was told four of us on the team were affected and changed only our title (not pay) to a Business bnalyst role that no longer aligned with only a couple responsibilities. I completely feel degraded and embarrassed right now; other folks have approached me in the company to perceive the change as a downgrade or punishment. The 4 of us affected are now looking for other jobs, but this move appears that we are under educated and have a lower status.
Asked on August 12, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Kentucky
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you do not have any recourse unless you had an employment contract which set your title or defined your role. In the absence of a contract, all employees are employees at will. One of the consequences of being an employee at will is that the employer is free to change titles, duties, responsibilities, etc. at any time it wants; the employer, not the employee, defines the role, job, and title.
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