Q & A Table of Contents
My Company Has Asked Me To Move With Them, But Hasn't Offered Adequate Relocation Money
From: Ric, Sun Valley, California
Question: My company plant closed at the state I'm living in and they have offer to relocate me to their other plant in a different state. I'm ok with the salary with but the relocation/moving money is not enough for me and my family. How will I negotiate to increase the relocation money?
Response: You should weigh the overall cost/benefit situation of the proposed move. For example if your new salary is substantially better than your current one, if the cost of living in the new location is no worse than -- or even better than where you are now, and if the difference in the relocation reimbursement offered is not that big, perhaps you shouldn't make a big deal about those moving costs.
You should also take a look at how easily you could get another job without moving -- and how much you would get paid. That will give you a sense of your fall-back position and how hard you should negotiate for a different relocation payment figure.
Another thing you should look at is state laws, both in the state where you are located and the state to which the company is asking you to move. Check with the two state's employment departments to find out whether there are rules or guidelines that govern relocation payments. If your company has a union, that may also be a good source of information.
On yet another front, you want to learn how much the company feels it needs you in the new location. If they are bringing you along because they have a special need for your skills and experience, that should strengthen your capacity to get more favorable treatment. If the company can replace you easily, that should tell you whether attempting to get better relocation reimbursement is a really likelihood.
If the issue is one of short-term cash flow, you may tell your company -- or a bank -- that you need a loan to complete the move due to some particular family situation, for example. They may have cash available on that basis you can use to get moved -- but then you would have to pay back the difference between the initial relocation package and the amount you actually use.
Use creativity and do a good job of homework and this should work out favorably.
Good luck,
Steve
| 
