Over the stressful years of IBM RA reign of terror over employees, I've put together a checklist of questions to ask and things to do "when the call comes". Some is from the list on the old alliance site. We may think we already know the answers, but as we know the details change every time. Sharing. Good luck everyone.
What are the package details?
Can I use personal holidays until I'm gone? (I'm using mine now)
Do I get Future Health Acct? 401k match? Personal Pension Plan
Am I being fired with cause?
Can I Retire instead? Can I do a pre-retirement planning leave of absence instead to keep my health ins for a year?
Can I collect unemployment?
Will I get my outstanding bonus? commissions?
What if I refuse to sign agreement?
Can I extend the time before I go another month? 2? 3? (present personal hardship
Put up an out of office email with some snarky comment about 'forever'. Send goodbye email to colleagues.
Don't return IBM ID, say it's lost, use it for discounts
set out of office message, send farewell email.
file EEOC age discrimination suit? don't sign agreement, check into class action.
send email to pension@us.ibm.com asking for copy of current vested rights in annuity and cash form. provide serial # and home address
send email to watching ibm, post on thelayoff.com
go to you and IBM separations resource action checklist page, check my printout.
Go to HR Express and print/save any documents you might need. Performance agreements, retirement account information. Make sure you know how to log on from home.
Use the cobra/IBM subsidized health insurance instead of the fha/retiree health plan. You'll pay out of pocket but it's a much better plan with lower deductible. When the subsidy runs out use the fha.
Call Employee Services and talk to them. 800-796-9876 about benefit questions..
Plan your reaction in case you are notified. My suggestion...as minimal a reaction as you can muster. Say as little as possible. Show no emotion. Do your homework so you can ask questions that are as difficult as possible.
Keep your shoulders back and your chin high. If you are selected for layoff, you are being set free from the misery that IBM has become. There are better days to come. Even if you are shattered, don't them see you sweat or cry or get angry. Your emotions still belong to you...don't share them with the ba$tard$. They've taken their pound of flesh and then some. Don't give them anymore. Go home to your family and begin again.