For those who have been terminated, how was the actual severance compared to the initial estimate letter?
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@19h LOLOLOL you have faith this company knows what its doing? You seriously believe the “legal team” relentlessly reviewed everyones severance so its air tight? You actually believe that? This company will offer what they think youll take, not what you deserve. Push back and demand more, youll either get something better or at the very least make their heads spin.
@19h thank you for reiterating that our beloved company lawyers have reviewed, vetted and optimized the offers made to 900 ex-employees. Your insight is so meaningful like a beacon of light in the darkness!
@1ce agree on the optics... And also many employment labour cases and arbitrations that IOL has had in the past (at least the ones that made the headlines), showed that the system tends to side with employees. Think of the ON sales reps during sale of retail has stations and an international student that got hired and turned out lied about his immigration status (I have mixed feeling about this one).
@19h they also don't know individual having additional reasons like disability, poached by iol from another company and the laid off. Spend a few hundred for a consult...good insurance policy
@1cd and just to add to this. As much as you don't want to go to court, the company does not want to either. It doesn't look good for them. If your ask is reasonable and you can show precident, you probably have a good shot.
@19h you are correct that they are compliant to law. That does not mean that there is no room for negotiation. While taking the company to court would likely be silly, having a lawyer draft a letter asking for more and giving the reasons why you/they believe you deserve more is not. I know two people that have successfully increased their packages by doing so (not crazy amounts , but an extra couple weeks).
Those I know let go in the latest round said they were told to accept by lawyer, that additional amounts you could get would not amount to much after lawyer fees.
The severance packages were vetted and approved by IOL’s in‑house legal team. They ensured every offer is fully compliant with employment law. Contesting it would be a waste of time and resources — you will not win. The only realistic path is to accept what’s been offered, close this chapter, and move on. Cut all ties with the company and focus your energy where it actually matters.
Just wait and see what you are offered and then pay a couple hundred bucks to review with a lawyer. From what I have seen, a lawyer will likely tell you to accept.
Anyone else have similar or different experience? Has anyone tried to counter and what was their response?
I heard the offer is one month per year of service minus the 8 weeks working notice. More if you are over 50 but I don't know how much more.
Can you be a bit more specific? If not possible due to document you sign perhaps give a narrow range or indirect information as a third person? I.e. someone who is not me heard that Sam Smith with 10 years of service may have receive 42 weeks, something like that. Much appreciated.
Better and reasonable