Second, the definitions for fraud vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the course of action recommended here falls under the common definition of civil fraud:
>"Somebody misrepresents a material fact in order to obtain action or forbearance by another person;
>"The other person relies upon the misrepresentation; and
>"The other person suffers injury as a result of the act or forbearance taken in reliance upon the misrepresentation"
Third, a time limit is not duress unless there are other exigent circumstances. Duress is usually defined as:"threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment." Getting someone to accept a slightly lower salary is not 'against their will or better judgement', it's just a negotiation.