Thread regarding Shell Oil layoffs

I left in 2021 after applying unsuccessfully to 5 positions. I stayed until "go live." And Shell still didn't pay my severance because they claim I resigned when I didn't show up after go-live. If you're an at-will employee over the age of 50, you might think about cutting your losses and finding a new gig. The company doesn't care about you even a little bit.

It is clearly stated in the IDT re-org in their FAQs that HR put out - the section under US specific rules. Search the internal web for IDT Journney Portal and then read the FAQs Appendix 1 - Country specific information

"Are US impacted staff required to post on roles in Open Resourcing in order to be considered eligible for the severance package?"

Answer: "Per US local policy and practice, at risk or impacted employees are not required to post for a role in order to be eligible for the severance package. "

They say a bit more in the FAQs including that you can still be placed into a role even if you don't apply.

It wasn’t clearly stated, but confirmation was made through a query with HR. Please indicate where it was clearly stated.

It sounds as if you are in the US. Shell has clearly stated as part of the reorg we are going through right now that US law does not require you to apply if you are impacted in order to receive a severance and some of my colleagues have chosen exactly that and there has been no issue receiving their packages. Other country's laws are different and so that is why they reference that it depends which country you are in.

Because they want to make everything appear fair so they won’t get sued. Layoff this many people and there are bound to be lawsuits.

They can choose to place you in a position that you did not apply for, so why not just place everyone? Why the illusion of "open" resourcing? That said, direct placement was a (rarely-exercised) option even when voluntary severance was offered. If you indicate that you want to go I think you'll get cut loose.

Why not just apply for positions you’re completely unqualified for?

I have emailed HR Ops a few times about redundancy and severance. Their response for US was that application is not required but highly encouraged as they seek to minimize redundancies.

Since Shell has played games with me in the past and I am a US-based employee with no legal protections and in a right-to-work state, I will apply so they have no chance of denying me my severance.

On the Netherlands presentation, they said you wouldn't forfeit redundancy package if you didn't apply

If you want a severance just apply to a role you know you won't get.

It’s a safe bet that the best outcome is based on employee legal protections afforded to European based employees and the worst outcome is likely in all countries without protections afforded under employment law (read: US). In other words, if you’re in the US, and choose to not apply to a role, you’re likely deemed to have resigned. This is certain if you’re offered a role anyway (which is likely to happen if your box still exists) and you decline it. In short, don’t play games with Shell US, because bad things happen without any legal recourse. And they have a lot of practice.