I was employed with Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) for approximately 26 years. Throughout my tenure, I remained in good standing with the company and maintained a consistent performance history..
During the first nine months of this year, I reported to a different manager than my current one. I completed both a beginning-of-year performance review and a mid-year performance review under this manager. In both reviews, my performance met expectations, and I was never advised of any performance concerns, deficiencies, or behavioral issues. I did not receive any verbal or written warnings, disciplinary notices, or improvement plans during that time.
My manager specifically told me that I met expectations and that he had spoken with colleagues with whom I worked directly. He stated that no negative feedback had been reported regarding my work or workplace behavior. At no time was I made aware of any issues that might jeopardize my employment. There was no documentation provided to me demonstrating poor performance or any other cause for termination.
Without prior notice, I was informed that my employment was being terminated. I was immediately instructed that I did not need to return to work for the remainder of December, and that all of my system and workplace access was removed at that same time. I was not provided with any explanation or supporting documentation demonstrating cause for termination or identifying any violations or performance concerns.
I was then told that I would receive a separation agreement by email and that I would need to sign this document in order to receive additional severance pay. Specifically, I was informed that if I signed the agreement — which includes a waiver of rights — I would receive an additional sixty (60) days of pay covering the months of January and February. I was told that if I did not sign the agreement and waive my rights, I would not receive this additional compensation.
At the time of termination, I had no pending disciplinary matters, no documented poor performance, and no warning of potential job loss. I was terminated abruptly after more than two decades of continuous service, without explanation, documentation, or an opportunity to address any alleged issues. I was effectively presented with a condition where I must waive my legal rights in order to receive severance compensation following an unexpected termination.
I am currently seeking legal representation from an employment attorney or firm that has experience representing former BNY Mellon employees or handling similar wrongful-termination and severance-rights cases involving large financial institutions. I am specifically looking for counsel who has previously dealt with situations involving long-tenured employees terminated without cause and asked to sign separation agreements to obtain severance pay.