Senior tech consultant, several years at a large consulting firm. Looking for advice on how to open a real negotiation before I escalate next week.

What happened

My firm supplies consultants to a large client abroad through a framework contract. They proposed me for an assignment, the client interviewed me, and I was selected. It’s a high-profile win for my firm.

The managers handling it told me it was on-site at the client’s office abroad, with a much higher monthly package than I earn now. Based on that, I cancelled interviews with other companies.

In the interview, the client’s team lead said I could work remotely from my home country, since the team is remote anyway. I was thrilled.

The contract is still on-site and billed at the on-site daily rate. Only the location flexibility changed.

Then HR told me that since there’s no relocation, it’s like any other client work and I’ll stay on my current salary.…