Threatened after my layoff announcement. I'm a woman and feel more than humiliated.

I was laid off this past Monday, and my boss threatened me verbally, warning not to take any day off before my last day on the 27th, or they could fire me without severance. He put together a check list of a long list of things that I'm "obliged" (that was the exact word he used) to transfer the knowledge related to each one across several members on the team.

He was very, very nasty. It's the first time he talks to me like that. He was very intimidating... I am a woman, and I believe I have rights against that kind of harassment. I went to HR and they didn't write anything down on what I said or told me that they were going to do a thing. I consulted with my Lawyer, and she asked me if there was anything in writing or witnesses, and I said no, so basically nothing that can be done. Not sure what to do. I feel more than humiliated.

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Which Business Group was this that you were laid off? ArcSight, CSA, etc?

You earned your time off. It is a benefit you have worked for and if you have any remains leave you have the right to take the leave unless the company is going to pay it back. If they have not said they will reimburse you for the leave in writing then use it. If they fire you without cause you are entitled to unemployment in the US. The burden to show cause is on the company. If your manager verbally threatened you then you have been assaulted and have cause to file charges against the person. Do not meet with your manager one-on-one again. Only meet if you have some who can be there with you and be a witness. Depending on where you live you may be able to record the conversation without their consent, but check local laws first.

I just got laid off.

I won't get into details but what became apparent to me during "the process" is that HRs role in the whole layoff / WFR process is to protect the company. Do NOT expect them to represent you or (let's get crazy) protect you from a company employee who is violating your rights, because in their eyes you are NOT a company employee any more.

They just want to work the process and get you out the door without any more fuss.

Which Business Group was this that you were laid off? ArcSight, CSA, etc?

As they say in the union work to rule. Give them something, but don't sweat it. Document that you went down the check list, but don't worry about giving them anything concrete. Work slowly ask for clarification in writing at every step and wait for a response. Ask for clarification again and do the same for each step of the way.

OK, Bob, how did you want this file submitted? Are these the files that you were looking for? Document, document each step, and use email, saved to your own files.

Thread regarding Micro Focus layoffs

Threatened after my layoff announcement. I'm a woman and feel more than humiliated.

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