When the Seniority Lists get posted, look at all the Pay #s that are higher than your Pay # (do not look at the lists of Fabricators, Xray, TBC sprayer, Waste Treat, Maintenance).
Count how many have less seniority than you, then you basically know where you stand.
If you take the 12 weeks payout you will Cut Ties with GE, it is good for those who are sure to get another job asap and will not wait for GE to call you back. Yes, you can reapply to work for GE however keep in mind that GE mainly looks to hire Welders, Maintenance Technicians, and those on the Recall list are in front of you.
If you get Laid Off, you get 4 weeks IEA, 20 weeks unemployment, up to 1 year of insurance and $6000 tuition fee reimbursement that you can use to better yourself with some skills, if not to work for GE then for other businesses. If you find another job of course you don't have the unemployment checks and the insurance anymore, but still have recall rights.
Everybody is in different personal and family needs and situations and future planning. Some are best to take the 12 weeks pay and start another career perhaps with brighter future, some may be better off to be laid off and hope that GE will do better in the future and will call you back.
Look at your pay number on the list, see where you stand, weigh in on what will benefit you the best, 12 weeks pay and get another job and opportunities, or be Laid Off.
The future is unpredictable, but we have to plan for it.
Posted by @RNQxNp7-1hpc.