I’ve been here four years and already made it through more layoffs than I want to count. Feels like it’s only a matter of time before my luck runs out. I’m just wondering if there’s any wiggle room in the severance package, like maybe extending medical coverage or anything like that. Just trying to be prepared.
11 replies (most recent on top)
Wiggle = zero. you get what they offer and that's that
Your luck runs runs out when you are NOT laid off
Only thing set in stone are the words on your tombstone.
chose them judicially
Unless you have an employment contract with explicit detail which worker bees don't get nothing to negotiate. You don't have the leverage to dictate terms. You have empty pockets and no job. They have deep pockets and infinite time to wear you down. Severance is a courtesy and not required.
Severance pay is not mandatory in any U.S. state. This is not unique to Optum/UHG, it is all companies. It's simply a corporate policy and can be changed or cancelled at any time.
Yes it's true that high-level executives have golden parachute clauses in their contracts, but I doubt the OP is in that situation.
Consulting an employment lawyer only makes sense if you have proof that you were targeted for termination due to some protected class (minority, s-xual harassment, whistleblower, etc.) .
UHG never negotiates take it or leave it. That was the attitude on job offers so safe to assume works about the same on the other end. If you wish to delay getting any money go talk with employment lawyer. If they were not giving decent raises you really think you are going to hit the jackpot when they tell you to hit the road? Accumulated PTO unless in live in a state with protections you gonna get bent there. The monster has it all dialed in since they do it so often odds are slim you will win. Then there is the tried and true tactic of stall they have time and deep pockets you do not.
: @OP+1jthw12k8/ iper the severance chart on Sparq and your years of service.. you will only get 4 weeks severance pay. A lawyer could probably get you 6 months pay.. of course their service fee would be deducted.. still more than 4 weeks! I like the recommendation of the one poster… worth a try. Always a good idea to check your options. But if you need money right away.. that may not work for you. The attorney route would take time.
Make some calls and find out. This way if that day comes… you know what to do.
Whoever recommended a lawyer consultation for 4 years work with a corporate beast named UHG is absolutely cruel.
Take the severance as is and move on.
The stress and financial problems that would come with getting a lawyer involved for 4 years work is not worth it.
Consult with an employment lawyer or two. Most consults are Free. Start now. It won’t hurt and this way you would know what possibilities you may have. If you sign the severance package… you are done, meaning you signed off and can’t do anything more legally to the company.
Be smart and get your information before hand, so IF you are laid off, you have a solid game plan.
Someone may post , you can’t get anything more than the severance Don’t listen. Get a consult or two and give yourself a piece of mind!!!! Best!
Need to have a coupla DUIs and felonies to be eligible for a negotiated severance aka a golden parachute.
No, it’s set in stone. You don’t even get to speak.