I was with the company 10+ years and was working for Aruba but was let go two weeks ago. They want me to sign something saying I understand the layoffs are not related to Covid-19 because it is a company restructuring. They will not pay out extra time earned unless I sign.
I worry this could impact my ability to get financial assistance during the pandemic. Has anyone else been WFRd and did you sign?
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Take these articles with you to the employment lawyer. It's a well-known public fact that HPE was going to lay people off due to COVID.
"Asked about the specifics of layoffs, an HPE spokesperson indicated that the number of jobs to be cut had yet to be determined, saying the company would be “working through the details in the next couple months as we evaluate the various areas where we can drive savings.”"... [Neri] "cited the pandemic’s huge impact on the economy as the reason for the cuts."
- - https://fortune.com/2020/05/21/hewlett-packard-enterprise-to-implement-major-cost-cuts-because-of-covid-19/
Also,
- - https://www.fiercetelecom.com/telecom/hpe-plans-job-cuts-and-reductions-executives-salaries-due-to-covid-19
I read this, and as we all know, it has to be a reason to protect HPE. I wondering if it has to do with rehiring after the crisis is over. Freeing themselves of any obligation on that side??? Like others say, contact an employment attorney. Regardless, sorry to hear the news. I worked there as well and that place has just continued to decline on so many levels.
@ncc+1623AORU – You can take 401k related Covid-19 distributions from the HPE 401k (or any 401k if your plan sponsor has opted-IN, which HPE has) simply by saying that your personal finances have been impacted by COVID, which they have regardless of your separation reasons. You just sign or e-sign a doc saying you were impacted in some form (you don't have to give a specific reason), and you're done. It was easy for me..
@vmy+1623AORU - All the ones I have seen so far you will be given a formal WFR notice with a 2-week exit date from the official start of your WFR notice. Pre-notice isn't included.. you'll get a document that says your exit date and gives you some guidance on what your compensation will be & etc.
I was given "pre-notification" of WFR on July 8th. To date, I'm being told that my last day won't be determined until HR arranges a meeting with me to provide details. My manager does not know (or is not able to disclose) when that HR meeting will be held. When they have the meeting; do they give you two weeks or is separation immediate???
You need to lawyer up. Signing that would keep you from tapping into your 401K/IRA without penalties if you needed to.
So, our poor shipping performance in FQ1 and FQ2 was C19 related, and not from our operation decisions in FQ4, but the layoffs are not C19 related? WTF, who is making that call?
I agree - do not sign! GET LAWYER NOW!!! We don't know how this COVID pandemic will play out - but what we do KNOW that these layoffs ARE 100% related to COVID!!! (Or this is just one hell of a timing coincidence!) They are in essence having you sign away any future "anything" you may be entitled to as a result of layoffs during COVID. (Like signing off after a car accident that you won't hold them accountable for future medical issues - sometimes it's better to leave it open then rush to sign and settle)
Get your lawyer to review it before you sign. Be aware that Any compensation from HPE is predicated on you signing to award any potential lawsuits
Don’t sign !!
dont sign anything get an employment lawyer