I (US Citizen) took a job with a reputable organization in France that sponsored my visa. I have a spouse, kids, and 3 pets (pets alone cost $6k to relocate). We sold our belongings in the US and had all just begun to really adjust. However I was notified last week that my employer is actually getting rid of an entire segment of their business which includes my job.
My employment contract does not contain any job loss protections outside of my trial period which was 3 months, which they had originally specified verbally is standard in France and would only end if I failed to pick up on the job.
I realize I have no legal protections as it was my naiveté to not pursue additional contract language regarding job loss during the trial period. I just never imagined this.
I’ve applied to over 50 jobs in a week and have already recieved rejections for most, as most employers won’t sponsor visas for whatever reason.
Not sure the purpose of the post but to say that when relocating, please protect yourself and truly realize how much you’re putting on the line by accepting a job abroad. My husband has not found work either in France so we’re at the point of having to go back to the US, pay all of the travel costs to do so, and have nothing there for us.
Everyone is suggesting they keep looking in Europe, but perhaps they should cut their losses and go back to the US. OP has already received 50 rejections.
It sounds like this trial period can be quite dangerous as all the leverage is on the side of the employer. Of course OP could try to get new language written in to a contract next time, but that sounds hard in a foreign context (language issues, lack of understanding of the law, etc.) and would cost even more money. Just the thought of 6K to relocate pets is heart stopping to me!
It might be worth pursuing a legal remedy but I doubt that the “reputable organization” would lay off OP if it were illegal. More money for OP to spend.
Still, depending on OP’s field there might be an obvious place to apply (but OP has probably already done that and been rejected 50 times). Also, multiple pets make it harder to find housing which is already scarce in many places in Europe.
This is an important cautionary tale. I doubt I would have had the foresight to modify the contract for the trial period, etc. OP was caught up in the moment of getting a job - an exciting prospect - and the organization assured her the trial period was standard and implied it would not affect her. I doubt if the hiring managers knew of the layoff, but somebody should have mentioned other contingencies (like layoffs) that affect trial periods. They only mentioned performance as an issue.
I agree. It will be much easier with kids and family back on familiar footing in the US without language and visa hassles. Better to cut losses.
I have also been with someone on the receiving end of job loss during trial period when a contract fell through that would have provided the salary for the position. It’s awful and there’s virtually no recourse.
3 months of probation period is standard in Europe. Employees also have the right to quit without any special reason during this time. And yes, you’re not safe before this period is over, after that it’s much tougher to fire someone/ quit your job. This isn’t something anyone can negotiate because the law requires that, in some countries this period can be even 6 month long
I don’t know about France or what the OP is doing but it is very unlikely to find an urgent job in a few weeks. If they allow a 90 days window it might offer some chance. Besides the EU laws don’t let you get any job in order to keep your visa. I would try to get a compensation from the company instead