Collecting unemployment after 6 month payout - what should we sign or not sign to be able to collect our unemployment? With no ideas? I have read some concerning statements but wanted to see what others have gone through.
12 replies (most recent on top)
@bnz - what a dumb comment, suggesting we are all just a bunch of lazy fools. Is getting a masters degree in computer science not "changing with the times and advancing with the technology" enough for you? Stop being a do-gooder and wake up. The company doesn't want us because we make their books look bad, too much $ to payout in pensions makes the pieces the want to sell off look less profitable. It's not that we are lazy or stupid as your comment suggests.
I went after 3 weeks because if they offer you a job within 50 miles you have to take it. I did not want to be offered a job in a town like S.F. due to the commute and I don't like S.F. at all. Traffic is horrible in the bay area and I was just done. If they offer you a job and you don't take it, then you don't get severance.
ATT is surplusing people to cut them off from benefits, seniority, pension or other benefits. They are also doing it because they can offshore jobs or hire recent grads.
They are not cutting them off due to losses (they are very profitable), or lack of work.
ATT exemplify all the evils of thE American corporate culture.
You will have to sign the I will not sue letter..that does not impact unemployment. VOLUNTEERING to leave after 3 weeks might..varies by state.
If you don't have another gig or if you just aren't going back to work, go with the 60 day notice, not the 3 weeks. You will get 5 extra we3ks of pay, a extra month until you start cobra and unemplyment. You will have to regularky check career path to see jobs in sales, phone store kiosks, other states or simply not qualified.
Unemployment is governed by state law. In my state, whether some leaves voluntarily, or involuntarily, so long as they left under a program to reduce force, the newly unemployed person is eligible for benefits.
Well said @gdq. I accepted being surplussed last year and moved on with my life. I am no longer stressed out about wondering if and when I’ll be next.
I was laid off last Sept and signed the form. If you don't you will not get your severance check. But if you think about it...AT&T has this down to a science so the chances of you beating them in court is probably nil. Also, the end result is that you ARE laid off...do you want to spend years and large amounts of money fighting it? I know I told my 2nd level to lay me off because I am older and had 28 years, but I didn't want to spend a good part of my life fighting the company.
Also, before this is over by the end of 2020 this will effect 10's of thousands more. I know those of you that did not want to be laid off will feel hurt and upset, and it is very understandable, but it seems the best thing to do is to just go out with "class". Just my opinion.
@cgd, smartly said and laid out, point by point....well done.
Why would someone sue for their role being surprised? Why does it always have to be the companies fault? Why didn’t the person change with the times and try to advance with the technology? People kill me always trying to make a case.
When the dust has settled, finish out your week, and whether you caught the short end or not....collect your thoughts and questions you wish, and must know.
If you’re the unfortunate who got cut, you will be invited to join an open phone call forum, held multiple times (usually late afternoon and 60-90 minutes long) to help with Q & A’s and transitioning out, such was my case, and many others in October 2016. The ‘room’ consisted of two hosts, fielding many questions that you will have and those you didn’t think of.
This forum is invaluable and can only hold a limited amount of call ins, then it was capped at about 400 and then a busy signal and then you were locked out. Don’t sweat it, calls will be replayed at night, new calls will be held over multiple days and weeks....you will hear a lot of good questions that relate to you and you can get on a line to ask your own!
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to tape the call that you’re going to dread getting, your call to HR and your call to the State Unemployment office to know your ‘next steps.’ Know the facts, ask the questions and re-ask if there is any confusion!
If you’re not affected now, start thinking and if you do want to hear these Q &A’s (which would educate everyone moving forward) just wait until later because space is limited and those who need to be there want to be there.
Good luck everyone
Are you talking about signing the waiver in order to receive the severance payment? Don't sign it if you plan to pursue legal action, but that means you will not get a check from AT&T beyond closing out what is owed to you from working.
You register for unemployment after your last working day. Some states require a waiting period, and you might not be eligible to receive payments until the severance received is expected to exhaust. You should take your severance paperwork to your state's local unemployment office to get a determination. Also bring past paystubs to help calculate your claim amounts. As long as your severance check shows "severance - involuntary", then you are entitled to unemployment as far as the state is concerned.
But don't rely on what is said here - every state has its own rules.