5 ms·
> - No matter what you hear about others, your severance will be a nasty insult and you will very likely have to spend to hire a lawyer to get what you are owed
by doc_gunthrop 7y ago
> - No matter what you hear about others, your severance will be a nasty insult and you will very likely have to spend to hire a lawyer to get what you are owed. Find one now and agree on a rate while you have a job.
While it's a nice sentiment for thought, severance pay isn't mandatory in the U.S. and there's no requirement for it in the Fair Labor Standards Act[0]. Severance seems more like a customary courtesy, like tipping.
[0]: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/severancepay https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/wages/severancepay
- agoodthrowaway 7y agoI don’t think the GP was implying that everyone gets severance. Generally employers are often in legal grey areas when they are letting people go; particularly in cases where there is no legal or policy violation. In these cases they often try to bully you into giving up your rights. Severance is payment for agreeing to waive your right to sue for wrongful termination.
- doc_gunthrop 7y agoFair point; severance pay can certainly act as a sort of "hush money". Not to mention how it can be used to keep ex-employees from exposing trade secrets with a competitor in the same industry.