Is it worth it to retain legal counsel to negotiate a better severance package? Or do you just sign on the dotted line?
8 replies (most recent on top)
Only get a lawyer if you have a suit. If you have been picked on or unfairly treated DUE TO a disability, race, religion, age etc, then get a lawyer. EXAMPLE: If the store/location lays off ONLY people over 55, or ONLY people with prior Work Comp Claims, or ONLY non-white people, or ONLY females, or even MOSTLY people of any of those classifications, then, if the employees can prove they are good workers by prior reviews and witnesses, a lawsuit would be better. If you feel that you are just mad a Target, but have no real case, just take the severance and move on.
Having been part of the process on both sides, I would say no. There are plenty of lawyers out there who will gladly take your money, but any additional severance awarded will largely go toward their fees. These separation packages are drawn up to give you just enough money to take the deal and walk away.
http://qpolitical.com/muslims-just-made-it-almost-impossible-to-buy-bacon-at-target-this-is-crazy/
Anonymous73670 - great post, thank you
When I left a few years ago on my own accord, I negotiated a separation package since I had been there for quite awhile, was fairly high up and had some legit concerns about the type of leader they were asking us as DMG to be (many of those concerns have now shown their face apparently). I had a labor attorney take a look at it and he was able to help me "get a little more". According to him, Target's overall agreement was pretty straightforward. However, I retained some more "rights" (e,g no, non-compete) and a little more in comp vs benefits (e.g. ask for cash equiv of outplacement). I only paid for ~4 hours of work as again, it was pretty straightforward. Hopes this helps. Not sure if it's 100% applicable as my situation was different since I was leaving on my own and wasn't part of a "mass RIF" (no pun intended). Good luck....life is great outside of Target.
I'd give it try, see if there is some smart advice out there
Your employment is at will, so, you have 0% chances here unless they discriminated against you. If they violated state or federal laws as it relates to the steps they need to take to cut you, you stand a chance. Also, I bet with 3K or 4K let go, there will be some ground for some kind of class action lawsuit, so sit tight and monitor this board - if you hear that people are getting together and forming a class action suit, jump in and get some money for your troubles.
Just sign and walk away. Spend your energy on something more productive.