I am curious if others have experienced what my husband just went through. He was a Construction Supervisor with a large project builder in WA, he had asked for payrises as he was performing very well in his role and was told he was at the maximum they could pay.

A competitor project builder offered him a job with lot's more money so my husband decided to resign from his current job and accept the new one, based on the increased salary.

When he gave his written (very diplomatic & polite) notice of resignation the two managers exploded with verbal abuse. He was told to hand over his phone and work car keys immediately and to find his own way home (50 km's away in a different town). He was not allowed to use the phone or anything.

They rang and abused his new employer for poaching him. We then found out two days later they tried to poach another competitor's supervisor (but that's another story - in a small town we know everyone and hear everything).

He had a diary that he used for his work (supplied by the employer) and they tore all pages out that had any writing on it. This included personal information such as birthdates and phone numbers of family etc.

He is owed about $1000 in bonus money that they said he will now not get and with his final pay they deducted a bonus that was paid on past performance two months earlier.

We had anticipated they would ask him to cease work immediately but the other behaviour was and is quite a shock. We are seeking help through the Workplace Ombudsman for help with repayment of the bonus money they deducted from his pay.

Has anyone else experienced similar sort of behaviour or treatment on resigning and maybe have any ideas of how we can lodge some sort of complaint in his treatment so others do not have to experience the same thing.

It sounds like you guys are just better off being rid of them. People like that are habitual in their actions and it sounds like you guys aren't the first. I think unless you absolutely need the money I'd just report them to whoever you need to and move on to better things. It will only continue to stress you.

Having said that, someone needs to make an example of them so they don't keep doing it. Problem is, is it worth it for you guys in the long run? (what might the consequences be?), and will it really change who they are as people and employers?.

I just got burnt by an employer. His practises were bordering on criminally neglectful. Long story, but I managed to cut off his supply of potential employees. HE was hiring off a friend of mine, which is how I came across him. There's alot more to the story but long story short; I was better off just cutting my loses.

Word of mouth in a small town is like a bush fire.

hi all,

yes its always smart to get legal advice, and generally
in all circumstances to check first re jobs, and pay

http://www.wo.gov.au/asp/index.asp

knowledge is power

armed with the knowledge
one can make better choices

and always vote, always.....

JHH

It is not all that unusual, legal help for sure taking back a bonus for work already done is illegal.
The other bonus may not be paid ask an expert but it is in doubt.
One of south east Asia's biggest, once Australian owned construction firms acts like this on one site every day.
A worker known to be top draw was asked to take on a formans job.
He said look I want to be honest with you, in about 3 months I am leaving to take up another offer.
He was escorted off the job instantly and abused.
From valued worker to evil in seconds!

Well....unless it is the fact of being in a small town that enabled the former employer to know who the new one is,... I'd sure not be telling my old one who I'm going to.

I'd just explain..

1/ I've worked hard and well.
2/ I've requested a better deal and I think I'm worth it.
3/ You disagree on that issue (2) so... I have elected to resign.

the end.

DSBCK

Is your husband a member of a union?