What should I be looking for in my severance agreement to see if I’m getting what I deserve?
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What should I be looking for in my severance agreement to see if I’m getting what I deserve?
I was recently laid off from my employer of 27 years. I was an hourly employee and not in any type of managerial position. What should I be looking for in my agreement to see if I’m getting what I deserve?
Asked on May 3, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Bear in mind that there is NO obligation to pay you *any* severance whatsoever unless you had a contract (e.g. an employment or union agreement) guarantying you severance--and if you did, they need to pay you as per the agreement. Otherwise, when there is no contract as to severance, the employer is free to pay nothing--or if they choose to pay something, are free to offer any amount they like. Therefore, if you don't have a contract, you are entitled to whatever they are willing to pay you or you can negotiate from them.
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