Sorry if this was posted already, I tried the search option but something seems to be out of whack with it. Can anybody please tell me what is the severance package at Windstream? I am trying to be prepared in case I am a part of the next layoffs round, so it'd be good to know what exactly I'd have to work with. Thanks in advance!
12 replies (most recent on top)
I was hit at the end of July as well and got the same package. I am in Oklahoma and wasn't aware you could get unemployment checks while you were collecting severance but you can.
I am still trying to find a job. Oklahoma is having a tough time in this economy.
Severance is your money. You could start new job after lunch and draw two checks. Also if unemployed you can get the state check and severance. Some times you can't get unemployment and vacation pay the same week. Alabama didn't care! But were all up in my 8 dollar an hour Harbor Freight job!
They offered some counseling service out of Chicago.Supposed to help you find work, I didn't partake as I retired on disability effective with my pink slip.
Severance is your money. You could start new job after lunch and draw two checks. Also if unemployed you can get the state check and severance. Some times you can't get unemployment and vacation pay the same week. Alabama didn't care! But were all up in my 8 dollar an hour Harbor Freight job!
They offered some counseling service out of Chicago.Supposed to help you find work, I didn't partake as I retired on disability effective with my pink slip.
How could they make you pay it back?
Not sure if they changed this since July layoffs but you are not allowed to work at a new job and collect severance at the same time or they can make you pay it back
I can understand being prepared. I was let go this past July and it was a SHOCK. After the shock wore off, I filed for unemployment. I was surprised to learn that in Ohio you can get unemployment checks and severance payments at the same time. I'm grateful to have received a job offer a few weeks ago with a wonderful, small company that is experiencing growth and believes in taking care of it's employees. So for the next 6 weeks I will get double paid (Windstream severance + my pay checks with new company). Yay!!
I say all this because: there is power in being prepared. Trust yourself first; do what's best for yourself. Remember the Tony and the Windstream board will do what's best for themselves. Prepare your resume and start sending it out (even do a few mock interviews). Prepare you mind and your finances. I didn't do this - I had to scramble to get my resume updated and it took me a few interviews to get comfortable again with the process.
If you get laid off, you will go through a lot of emotions - expect that. Being fired is NOT the end of the world. Oftentimes, when a layoff happens, it works out to be a positive turning point in a career.
I received my next paycheck, as normal, then received my remaining vacation pay, and final one week check, in the next pay. After signing their agreement, the severance checks kicked in. I have two left.
Special nod, to Captain Obvious.
The layoff from Sept has the same package as July's severance plan. Also note it is not a lump sum payment
It is paid out every two weeks like regular pay. So you get a max of 6 checks because max payout is 12 weeks severance
It used to be one week for every year of employment, but since Windstream likes cutting heads several times a year they changed it. But don't worry, I bet Tony learned it from the French while on vacation.
Sorry, you also get any unused vacation, but not optional holidays.
Having been hit in July 2017:
1 years 4 weeks
2 years 4 weeks
3 years 6 weeks
4 years 8 weeks
5 years 10 weeks
6+ years 12 weeks
Staff Manager or above 12 weeks
So you could have been there for 28 years, and will still only get 12 weeks. This is non-union.
Not sure of WS but the industry standard I’ve seen is 1 week severance per year with company.