As someone who knows the rules and how IBM works inside out, you can take this to the bank:
- . Yes, IBM SHOULD disclose ages of layoffs, but starting early 20-teens it stopped. IBM got around this by breaking layoffs into small distributed clusters so they could circumnavigate the meaning of the law.
- You have to file with the EEOC if you want to sue, its called a “Right to Sue Letter”
- No matter how much severance they’re offering, if you sign to get this money, you are GIVING UP your right to sue. Which means the only recourse is secret Arbitration. You will lose. So sign, get some cash, but no ability to sue, just to be clear
- You should choose a law firm who specialize in Employment Law and has a track record. I would highly recommend AGAINST Lichten & Liss-Riordan They are difficult to talk to, lump you together with other plaintiffs, and the payoff to date per plaintiff is minimal. ~30k or usually less (Zero usually if you sign and go to arbitration). There are exceptions. But still not a big payday you might think. Unless you’re the law firm of course.
- Still want to fight? Reach out to successful lawyers against IBM. In particular Wright & Greenhill in Austin, MAGNANIMO & DEAN in California, or Kaplan Law also in Austin