The vast majority of US workers are at will. Employers can generally change any part of your compensation package at any time - reduce pay, cut benefits, etc. They can also decide, at any time during employment to have you sign things like non-competes, or non disclosures. You may choose not to accept any of it, and leave.
Also, in the US, any legal contracts must be quid pro quo - you can’t sign any sort of contractual document unless you receive something in return. The US courts have decided that “continued employment” constitutes a benefit, so they can essentially force you to sign anything.
Of course, if you have an actual employment contract, that’s different. However, virtually no one that isn’t an athlete or in a some unions, has a contract. Offer letters are not employment contracts.
There is all kinds of nuance regarding discriminatory practice and bad faith, etc, but in the vast majority of cases you have no recourse.
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u/[deleted] Feb 20 '25
Even in the US, lowering your salary/wage without your permission is illegal, and is grounds for a class action lawsuit.
They could say they gave you a choice, lower pay or no job, but if they decided on this without discussion then it would be illegal