You can refuse to sign your severance paperwork and instead hire a lawyer. Many, many people are probably too dependent on severance to really do this. I am not the breadwinner in the family, and this puts me in a position to calculate a bit more - so if it happens to me I would probably fight.
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As the severance plan was communicated to DST employees at the end of March, we’ve had time to read it and decide what to do. That was nearly 3 months ago. Having a lawyer read the agreement isn’t a bad idea. Deciding to take legal action could be pretty risky. To those who are preaching “you have known for months”, just stop preaching, please. Yes, we’ve known. It may not be a surprise, but it may still feel like a jolt to the system.
By far the funniest thing I've read on this site yet.
....and people say millennials are entitled. Yikes.
OP'pist is the worst advice I've ever seen on here.
You have all known for months, if not longer, that layoffs are coming. Sign the damn paperwork and be glad they are giving you something. You've had time to be applying for new jobs.
Be grateful for the severance you do get, I know of people who have been laid off with no severance.
Unbelievable that someone would post such nonsense. Always take the money as fast as you can. You'd have to be a real moron to deny the money and then go spend money you don't have on an attorney who will then charge you even more than your pittance severance amount and then drag the process out for months.
Shakes head in disbelief
Sign the paperwork and move on. I know someone who got much less than this current package is offering in the last layoff and were told by a lawyer, the company doesn’t have to give you any package and recommended the person sign and accept.
"I am not the breadwinner in the family, so this puts me in a position to calculate a bit more"
What a tool^^
Actually, it gives you no leverage whatsoever. Just because you think you can ask for more doesn't mean you're going to get it. In fact, a court would use the same rationale that since you're not the breadwinner, you don't really need more.
You need a reason to think you deserve more, like age discrimination or something that you can actually prove.
What a strange post. It's like op wants people being laid off to REFUSE the money so the company doesn't have to pay.
I think if you're the only person being laid off, you could try to make a case, but in this situation, a massive layoff is affecting many and therefore would be impossible to get more money.
At some point you have to just accept the fact that you are no longer a valuable employee and move on. Plus, most of you really don't make enough to warrant hiring a lawyer.
Do not expect the sympathy of your employer or a court when you challenge good faith decisions to cut costs.
Companies deliberately offer you the minimum payments only, since, statistically, most people will just take what they are offered, happy to get anything at all. This is a critical mistake. There is usually some flexibility in the figures – so ask for more
Asked to sign a severance agreement? First, call the Sacramento-based Law Offices of James E. McGlamery. Schedule your consultation at 916-229-8491.
Learn more at:
www.mcglamerylegal.com/Severance-Agreements.shtml
this thread escalated quickly
Despite the op trying to sound all legal savvy, I don't think he/she is very smart.
You never get a lawyer involved unless you actually have a case.
It's not about hate, you are giving people really bad advice.
This round of layoffs will pay out higher than any others in the future.
Small time employment law will not win against big corporations' attorneys.
Plus you could forfeit your entire severance package if they dig up some bad reviews or non company use of computer and equipment.
Be smart. Take the money.
Take the package if you get paid off!!! Don't be a fool!!!
Why do you think you're the only one who would not be immediately dependent on severance package? I'll bet you do get laid off since your manager probably knows that you will survive a layoff, since you're not the breadwinner in your family. It's dangerous to have a double income family sometimes, managers generally will not layoff the person who has kids and a spouse who is at home.
For all haters, I'll point to what the original poster said:
- You can refuse to sign
this means that you can do that - does not mean that you should, it's an fyi for anyone willing to read it - if you do not like it, read the next message and forget about it.
- in a position to calculate
this means that the op has a specific position. you may or may not be in her / his position - if this does not apply to you, read the next message and forget about it.
Don't hate and p--p on info, a piece of info is a piece of info
i have three words for you: "contingent fee arrangement"
In a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage (often one third) of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client. If you win the case, the lawyer's fee comes out of the money awarded to you.
Always take the money. If you are younger, you need them as a reference for next job. Future employers won't want to find out you hired an attorney, it means you're difficult. Sounds like the author of this thread is some prima donna who is entitled.
They don't owe you anything.
What a joke.
Lawyers are not cheap. Hire a lawyer and then the lawyer negotiates an extra month or two in severance...then the lawyer bills you for half the severance amount you got.
How about accept the severance agreement and ask for a good reference.
Or fight it and wind up with less money and a long waiting period of stress.
You are not going to win, they don't owe anything to anyone, they could lay you off with nothing if they wanted to.
A lawyer is of no value to anyone who signed the arbitration agreement.
Even if you didn’t sign, what is your case? What makes your situation different? You are an at will employee.
Also, do you know anyone from any of the many previous layoffs who came out better than the standard severance package?
Wow, previous commenter... Relax. This person is just trying to help. Many won't realize that is an option.
You sound like a sh-- stirring trouble maker.
If they "hire a lawyer", they have to pay the lawyer.
I'll bet you love to watch people in distress.