Thread regarding General Atomics layoffs

I am still devastated and shocked. I was at General Atomics for over 12 years. Three years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic myeloid leukemia and I had to take several FMLA leaves. I was able to work some of the time but then I needed a surgery to remove an infected hernia mesh. Eventually, I had to take so much time off from the CML that I lost FMLA protection. I was out again in the hospital for the CML and surgery when I got the phone call that I was laid off. I feel like if I didn’t have all these medical problems I would not have been chosen to be laid off. Of course I’ll probably never know for sure. I guess I was a good pick to get rid of from the company’s view. I am upset for all the times when I was working and feeling sick. I’m considering not going on with anymore treatments and let the CML take it’s course to my end. This is just so hard and the job I had at General Atomics was my dream job. I could not help getting sick but I also feel like a rejected failure of a human being.

How do I find the Facebook group? I’m not signing the severance package either & I think GA will hold my severance package until I do so. So I may need to lawyer up. If we all use the same lawyer it might hold weight against GA. What attorney are you dealing with?

I lost my job recently and people from my company who were laid off had created a google group. So anyone who gets laid off and join the group. Then we all share information. Like - how do i file for unemployment, should i get cobra, obama care, spouses healthcare, etc. Or I interviewed to this job, didn't get it, but this is what they asked during the interview. Or I have a friend at this company who is hiring and can pass on your resume.
Create a Google Group and share information. This helps everyone. And people are able to find jobs faster because everyone is willing to share the information.

yes you can "cross out sections" but they will more than likely null and void the severances package or have their lawyers threaten you if you do not sign any required paper work. if you come to the decision to accept the package just know that the severance package is written to favor GA 100%... As I mentioned earlier i was with the company 18 years and my wife and i decided that the package offered is an insult and i simple have too much pride and self respect to allow a company such as GA to have the ability close me out of a potential lawsuit with this shameful severance package.

I signed up to use the job coaching service and it my OPINION it seemed dragged out and a waste of time i paid for a resume writer to fix the one the lady did for me from LHH and will use my experience gained at GA to sell myself hopefully that's enough.

I am using the job coaching service. It's pretty good, I like it. It took me a while to get myself polished up according to their recommendations. I just started putting out resumes last week. Still waiting on interview calls.

Anyone have any tips for getting calls for interviews? I feel a bit lost in it all.

Can a person cross out sections they don't agree to an then sign the document?

When you sign your package you give up all rights. GA can hire someone to replace you immediately. GA could have been unethical in getting rid of you and actually hire tour replacement immediately and there is nothing you can do about it bc you have your right up.

I also have had no luck with the job search. May I ask why you are not signing your package? You were there for 18 years and should receive a nice severance check after 10/27. Is there a real potential for a class action lawsuit?

sorry to hear that it depends on your skill set but a few of the other Defense Contract Companies have been hiring a lot of GA employees. if you can get a lawyer i would recommend seeking one because like nearly all severance packages they are written to favor the employer heavily and per my lawyers' advice i will NOT be signing package.

The 27th is fast approaching i would recommend getting all your documents ready so you can apply for unemployment insurance. Like you i'm having trouble finding a job because the local defenses contract companies are hiring out of state for my skill set and its not easy picking up and leaving a state you lived your whole life. I'm in my early 60s and i was planning to retire in the next 4 years and this totally threw my entire life upside down. I don't have anything positive to say about GA 18 years of service and dedication and it only took 6 minutes for them to lay me off. No thanks just sign here and give me your badge to hell with GA!