A friend from Meta suggested that if I’m impacted, I should tell them I won’t sign anything until I’ve reviewed the contract with a lawyer. Has anyone actually done that and been able to negotiate anything? Any advice if we end up in that situation?
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Federal law does not require US companies to offer severance pay, but state laws may mandate it in specific situations like plant closings or mass layoffs. Additionally, a company may be required to provide severance if it's outlined in an employment contract, company policy, or has been a consistent practice for similar employee roles. Take what they offer and be happy you got that.
I agree with @aq+1k7f083yk, take it like you stole it! :D
In the UK they insisted that you consulted a lawyer regarding the severance agreement. They even paid the fees. At least that was the situation a few years ago - not sure if that is still the case.
I promise, dell isn't going to "negotiate" your severance lol. They hope you won't take it but, if you do then they are legally bound to pay you out. But there is no negations.
By the time you hire a lawyer, pay him, and all that jazz... you'll be incomless and let's just pretend you DO "win." That lawyer is gonna want something from you. More than likely, a single lawyer isn't gonna win against a literal team of lawyers who very likely do this sh-t monthly.
Dell may not be the greatest company to work for but, they do have the money to employee a LOT of lawyers for every possible scenario and well, it's not costing them a dime. Unlike yourself.
Just take the money/severance and run with it because serverances are not negotiable unless you are a VP or higher...
Forget it. Take it and run.
As the other poster says: you are dealing with a sub-par and low budget company.
I would also add a company with questionable ethics too. So don't give them a reason to yank your severance.
Take it and smile while you walk away from the dumpster fire.
1) The severance terms aren't negotiable
2) If you don't sign, you get no money or other "benefits" Dell offers like cobra or job placement assistance
3) Your chances of winning are slim to none
I hope you do sue and are extremely successful, but it's more likely to be a money sink. Take whatever Dell is offering, and enjoy the better job you'll get on the other side.
Lawyers will tell you not to sign, but will also say that it could take years in the courts to reach a settlement. Can you last that long without compensation. One lawyer said they could write a letter to try and up the severance but was totally noncommittal on a call back, I guess no money for them
@a7 Feels like that whole “sign it right now” thing might be a deliberate move to create panic and urgency. But under the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act, I think we actually have 21 days to review a severance agreement and 7 days to change your mind after signing. Even if they don’t spell that out, it’s still our legal right
@a7 How much are they offering?
@OP my short answer to your post is DON’T!
Long answer: I think your friend’s advice might not be the best approach. If you mention reviewing the offer with a lawyer or try to negotiate, there’s a real chance the company could withdraw it — these deals are often only valid for a day. Since you’re getting money upfront, it might be wiser to accept it, take a short break, and start your job search fresh. You’ll find something new soon, and it’s usually not worth entering a legal fight with a large company that has far more resources.
@a1 How much are they giving?
dont.
you are dealing with a sub-par and low budget company. No way even remotely comparable to Meta.
take the severance money and run. you are now better off.