I was part of the massive UOP layoff in April. My former colleagues have called me to let me know that there is another giant round of UOP layoffs happening this week and more to come. From my understanding, these layoffs have impacted and will affect all UOP locations around the world.
If you are part of a UOP layoff in the United States, you will get a maximum of 26 weeks of severance pay if you have been employed 26+ years with UOP. You will get 1 week of severance pay for every year of service, with a minimum of 4 weeks paid out if you were employed less than 4 years. This was shared with me during my virtual layoff notification. I am not sure if the same severance policy applies to Honeywell's other business units. I am glad to report that all of my severance checks have cleared so far. There is no additional pay for 'vacation', since vacation for me was, in theory, unlimited. I was not an hourly employee, and I did not volunteer for the layoff. My first check that deposited on my last day, which was a Friday on the normal payroll cycle, was my 1 week of pay in arrears, not severance pay. A former UOP colleague recommended calling HR Help at 1-877-258-3699 to request to have copies of your paycheck stubs sent to your home so that you can review them if you're unsure or concerned about the amount being deposited into your bank account. Lots of people I know have had to do this because they are concerned about their severance pay. Keep the email addresses and phone numbers of your local HR contacts in your personal files if you have any further questions or issues if they arise after your departure date.
I was based out of Honeywell's Des Plaines, Illinois office like so many others who were part of the UOP layoffs. In Illinois, you qualify for unemployment pay upon your first day of unemployment and it does not matter if you are receiving severance pay. You need to file on your first day of unemployment. I recommend filing through the Illinois Department of Employment Security's website as opposed to calling their number. A couple of days after filing you will receive a letter in the mail that confirms your unemployment status, amount of anticipated unemployment pay, and the biweekly day that you need to certify for benefits in order for your unemployment pay to be deposited. I had no issues submitting my initial claim or submitting my biweekly certifications through the Illinois Department of Employment Security's website. I was also able to set up my direct deposit for unemployment benefits through their website.
I met so many incredibly intelligent and thoughtful people during my years at UOP and am glad to have worked with them. Your skills and knowledge that were developed over your years of service cannot be reduced to a 'function' or a cell on an Excel spreadsheet. To my fellow UOP team members: To me, you are more than just a 'function' or a cell on a spreadsheet, and I know in my heart that each person's knowledge and capabilities are distinct and valuable. You are assets, not liabilities.
Like many of you, I am not sad and am very grateful to have been part of UOP's layoffs. I was driven to take my talents to a company that rewards me for contributing value. I am so thankful that my chronic anxiety has been lifted. This is a blessing for me.