Thread regarding IBM layoffs

You do not qualify for unemployment pay during the time you are receiving severance pay.

But once the 30 days are up you will certainly qualify for unemployment compensation.

Some states you can collect unemployment while in severance period, some its after. (your case)

But please do not try saying you will not qualify for the unemployment compensation at all because you took the measly 30 day sev package, lol. That's just not true and hopefully nobody here buys it.

Contractors go on unemployment during any 1-2 week period they will be furloughed so they are getting unemployment checks around 4 times a year or more. And that's with unemployment office knowing they will be back to work within a week or so. If you are a FT employee you are not going back to work for IBM, so of course you get all your unemployment compensation once your severance pay ends. Now in most cases the severance pay is all on the last check so in that case you go file for unemployment right away with no waiting.

There are rumors if you quit or you are fired you will not qualify for unemployment. Ask anyone at the unemployment office if there is really any truth to this and they will roll their eyes. But mo--ns still buy into it.

OP, do you sell software, services, servers/storage?

In my state if you opt out of the PIP and choose severance and 90 days benefits then you left the job voluntarily and do not qualify.

2diq. I believe it depends on your state. Some states allow you to draw instantly, while others make you wait for the severance to be used up. That’s what happened to me. BUT to say you are not entitled to unemployment is incorrect As far as the 90 days is concerned, that is between your manager and yourself. If you sign away your unemployment rights for 90 days pay, well then look in the mirror. Again it’s your choice, BUT IBM holds most of the cards. Choose and choose wisely. With unemployment at 3.9%, most states are only offering the minimum time frame wise to draw. It’s easy to do the math of 90 days IBM pay vs 15-26 weeks of unemployment pay.

Did some id--t just say you get no unemployment if you sign for 30 days severance pay?

OMG, where do people like that come from? Brain up please.

Of course you still get unemployment. That's what the unemployment insurance is for.

Only at IBM would you hear someone say something like that lol.

Happened to me. Remember that if you take the 30 days + 90 days benefits you have resigned and will not get unemployment no matter what the liars in HR tell you. I found a new role in the same market and every day I find another way to cost those b@stards at IBM money.

Dont sign the PIP...get a lawyer and challenge your assessments, account assignments, ratings...ask where you stand compared to peers...If not at bottom, you have a case to challenge!

Sad as Thomas Watson Sr., loved his sales reps with a passion. He WAS one of them. Now .... hell, just a line item expense.

@ghb Yep - #AgeDiscrimination

If you are over 40, gather all the appropriate documentation and file a complaint with your state and EEOC. They will research and follow up with IBM and you. If you can afford to not sign the severance agreement, do not do so. The agreement has a clause where you waive your right to a class action law suit and there are several in the works.

If you are over 40, gather all the appropriate documentation and file a complaint with your state and EEOC. They will research and follow up with IBM and you. If you can afford to not sign the severance agreement, do not do so. The agreement has a clause where you waive your right to a class action law suit and there are several in the works.

Unfortunately, that is the way to get rid of the sales people. You either are RA'ed or you have leave on own terms as you can not make any money anymore. Pity for IBM too, as many talented sales folks are leaving this way.