Me Vs. The Fujitsu Corporate Giant

I felt my world literally split into two when Mike handed me a bunch of documents last Nov. 4, 2011. My pulse raced and my blood curdled as I read the words 'Fujitsu Philippines Inc. Vs. Ma. Theresa Reyes Pilares''. The documents were actually summons that Fujitsu filed against me for breach of contract hence they are seeking liquidated damages amounting to hundreds of thousands of pesos. I felt morally degraded. I hadn't seen it coming that after all this time. Fujitsu still bothered to sue me for sum of money that they themselves already possess even a million times more.

It has been almost a year ago when I accepted a job offer from Fujitsu for System Administrator post . The offer was competitive and the role seemed promising. It was only after I signed and reported for my first two days of work that I realized that I had made a major mistake. Not only the office is small and cramped, but the work is not what I had expected to be. The work is very general and relies heavily on the client's processes. Plus, they were making me sign some documents that I find quite oppresive in nature. Imagine I would be liable to pay millions of pesos in case I got a job from their client/competitor and even failed to return a document or item from them! I also had a part-time job which contradicts with their policy. Plus, I got to hear some stories about people constantly leaving the company and only staying because of the training bond. And here's the kicker: one of the consultants was even wondering what I was doing in Fujitsu wherein there are so much better career opportunities with other multinational companies like Trend Micro, IBM and HP.

So instead of imprisoning myself to a company that I'm in danger of leaving soon anyway, I decided not to pursue anymore with my employment to save them the hassle. I didn't show up for work for the next 2 days then on the last day I sent an email out of courtesy to the HR.

Then that's where the summons came in. It was only on Nov. 4 that I found out that Fujitsu still bothered to sue me for not observing the 90-day notice period when resigning from the company. It was a shocker indeed for I have no idea that I was already considered an employee even though I haven't submitted any pre-employment requirement including medical examination! Plus, I haven't performed any work and I didn't even undergo any orientation from HR. I didn't know that signing their stupid contract has already bound me for 3 months!

Employees come and employees go and I just wished that Fujitsu has just let this one drop. I've finally sought legal services and was told my case has a fight. I know I'm in good hands with my lawyers. We will definitely push for a settlement. May the battle begins!