#Unemployment #JobLoss #EmploymentRights
Public Service Announcement: If you are getting fired/laid off/ etc., do NOT sign anything on your last day
Hey there, friend. Are you facing the daunting prospect of losing your job? π Don’t worry, I got your back. In times of uncertainty and stress, it’s crucial to remember your rights and protect yourself from potential harm. One crucial piece of advice I have for you is DO NOT sign anything on your last day at work. Let me tell you why and offer some practical solutions to navigate this challenging situation.
Why you shouldn’t sign anything
If a company is letting you go, do not sign anything until youβve had plenty of time to read it. Even if they say, βThis is just you acknowledging blah blah blah,β donβt sign it. You are under no obligation to sign anything when they let you go. If they are pressuring you to sign something, that is a sign that they are trying to screw you over.
Practical solutions
1. Request time to review: Politely ask for a copy of any document they want you to sign and take it home to review at your own pace. Don’t feel pressured to sign on the spot.
2. Seek legal advice: If you are unsure about the contents of the document or suspect foul play, consult with an employment lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
3. Negotiate terms: If the document includes a severance package or other benefits, consider negotiating for better terms that align with your needs and expectations.
4. Keep copies: Make sure to retain copies of any documents you sign for your records. This can be crucial in the event of any disputes or misunderstandings down the line.
Remember, signing anything without fully understanding the implications can have long-lasting consequences on your future. Stay informed, stay empowered, and take control of your own destiny. You got this! πͺ
In conclusion, facing a job loss can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s important to advocate for yourself and protect your rights during this challenging time. By following the advice outlined above, you can navigate the murky waters of employment termination with confidence and peace of mind. Stay strong, stay informed, and remember that you are not alone in this journey. We’re all in this together. π
While it’s important to read AND understand what you sign, you just told everyone getting laid off not to agree to getting a severance package. Congrats on the crappy advice.
FYI, if you’re 40 or older, you have 21 days by law to examine the agreement. If it’s part of a group termination, then you have 45 days. In addition, even if you sign the agreement, you have 7 days to rescind.
I was laid off in September 2023 and learned a few things in the process.
As OP stated, DO NOT sign anything. You do not need to sign anything to get your last paycheck, which should also be given/paid to you on your last day, this includes any accrued vacation time. Someone else here mentioned that people 40 and over have additional protections, you have more time to sign your exit paperwork and the ability to rescind your acceptance of termination terms within 7 days.
Severance is generally 1 month of severance per year of service. My company gave me 2 weeks severance after 5 years of employment. I engaged an employment lawyer, and for $500 they helped me draft a note to my employer justifying and requesting additional severance. I received another 2 weeks severance a month later even though my employer did not reach back out to me.
My lawyer did warn me that there are three possibilities when you do this:
1. They ignore you
2. They pay you
3. They rescind your severance offer entirely
He said he’s never seen option 3 happen IRL, but that it was a possibility. So make sure your lawyer is letting you know both sides.
Try not to feel too badly about things, yourself in particular. Layoffs happen for a wide variety of reasons, most of which have NOTHING to do with employee performance. Most of the time layoffs happen because the company made a miscalculation in their forecasts, or some other sort of downward trend in the business. You did nothing wrong.
EDIT: Not a lawyer and this was in California.
Any blanket advise to not sign anything is misleading at best and costly at worst.
Where I live, companies are not required by law to provide severance. Almost all companies here will provide at least some severance contingent on you signing a separation agreement. If the agreement includes a release from claims under the federal age discrimination act, then they are required to give you 21 days to sign but this only applies to people over 40. If you are under 40, they can and will require you to sign immediately. There are some companies that will give everyone 21 days, but they are exceptions that are becoming more rare.
It is best to know the laws regarding layoffs in your local area and company polices ahead of time so you can make a decision that is best for you.
Absolutely this ^^^.
If you donβt sign it they fire you for not signing it in some cases
You do not have to say “I’m not signing” either. Say “I’ll review this and will get back to you if I have any questions.” Be non-committal. Give a non-answer response. Play the game.