Well, I have stopped collecting Florida unemployment. When let go as part of the "package" was commentary that RJ would not fight any unemployment claims so of course I immediately applied. Not only did I get Florida unemployment and Federal unemployment but also the 1 year of Cobra healthcare that will take me to Medicare. With all of this plus the severance RJ basically gave me a paid year off. Add to that saved, paid vacation and I feel I did better than most. Only thing I lost was accumulated sick time. Suggestion for those still at RJ, don't let your sick time accumulate. I know most aren't in my position and I know how painful it is for many. Some day I hope Paul will feel some of this pain
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I was one of the 550 let go last September and agree about the paperwork. I am "retired" and happy to be but those that were in their late 50's, early 60's should still consider consulting an attorney. Doesn't hurt.
Remember those pages of agreements you signed? Ummm, yeah, not happening.
It would be nice if someone would start a lawsuit for age discrimination.
I just went through and read a bunch of these as my husband is thinking about taking a job in technology at RJ and he is over 50. We called a close friend of ours who worked in HR supporting technology during layoffs last September. She said you don't have to be a scientist to see all these posts and understand they were only cleaning house of people over 55. I'm surprised you all haven't started a class action lawsuit. Reading all these posts the last few hours, this firm sounds horrible.
I am in my late 50s and still need to keep working but I have not been able to find a job yet. Same, collected unemployment and paid the bills with my severance package monies but, I am now using my 6 months rainy day funds. Then my next concern is healthcare costs if I don't have a job when Cobra expires. To be honest I knew it would not be easy to find a similar job but did not think it would be so difficult for me. I am working with a couple of recruiters and have taken some video courses related to resumes, job searches, interviews, etc.
I appreciate this post. Unfortunately I don't think that many of the 550 let go fell into that category. Fortunately for me I did. I have spoken to a couple people let go that are in their late 50's. They haven't found anything similar to what they had a RJ. One told me she applied to 3 different jobs at RJ, 2 of which she was very qualified for. She only got the polite rejection. I wonder how many of the 550 found their way back to RJ. I suspect you can count them on 1 hand.