Can I be forced to repay training fees when position is relocating?

back in December, myself and other employees at our company
were made to sign agreements that if we separated from the
company within 2 years, we would pay back the training we
received. No big deal at the time as we assumed that
company would be fine and we would be working there for
that period. We recently found out (after a merger) that
our positions were going to be relocated more than 400
miles from the present location. For many different
reasons, many of us cannot, or will not go, but the company
stated that if we do not stay for the transition period
(they can't tell us how long that is going to be) then we
would have to pay back for all the training we received.
Is there any way out of this since basically a relocation
wasn't specified in the original agreement? If I find
another job tomorrow, I would have to take it because there
is no guarantee that I can stay for the transition period
and then be able to find a job immediately after that
period is over. Any input is appreciated.

This would depend on the wording in the agreement. I would suggest that you see an employment attorney. If, on the other hand, you want to go this alone, then ask for a severance agreement with a paragraph specifically stating that training fees are forgiven.

If you are in the "protected" age bracket, they might be very open to offering a severance agreement.

[Edited by buddy2bear on 04-03-2001 at 06:32 AM]