At approxiately 1130A/EST my manager has advised me that a computer has decied that I am the employee in my unit that will be severed. I may reapply for the new opening. They had no choice and that a computer did it...mostly denying the fact that he screwed up administrative reports that I do and I had to do it all over again today b/c he doesn't know how. I do not get these companies. I am ready to find a lawyer b/c this is a bunch of S#!T. I was not released due to my performance or anything. I just got a Q4 perfect attendance certificate yesterday. But hey a computer decided how to get AMEX into a lawsuit with me.
All prayers are going up for you today;I've been there before & it will get better. Peace, Sister Girl
employment suits are difficult, unless you are member of a protected class or have a union. however, be willing to negotiate around severance details and insurance. it might be worth having an atty represent you for these issues. having health insurance, being able to use fax/copier during job search, eligibility for retraining $ and of course severance pay are all negotiable, although they will try to sell you the "company policy" standard pkg.
What? That is bull. I would definitely fight it. They didn't know who to let go so they let the computer play games and choose the person. Totally unfair............ You have my sympathy and support. Please keep us updated.
Kittw1, I'm very sorry about your job loss, especially in this hellish job market. It's unfair, yes, but not illegal. Unless you're in a protected class, as someone mentioned, you're an employee at will. I'm guessing they let the computer pick the victim because they don't want accusations of nepotism, but from what I gather, they're within their rights. Doesn't hurt to consult with an attorney, though.
That's BullS#it! Call the labor board and see what they have to say. Don't feel bad...why do you think I'm sitting here at home? I have no job either and don't even have any leads.
Well here is today's twist to this whole thing...They want an international specialist ...I have the most and proveable experience in this group of four FT and one PT. At will..I understand. Additionally, I have the least amount of write offs, the most amount of transactions (with maternity leave), and the most on average fone calls taken and the most generarted revenue. I think it's a crock at how they made their decision. I will accept the at will, but somebody needs to give me more info and then for you to tell me that I have to stay until they refill the position...that's a bunch of SH#*!
Oh! That's a bit more info that makes this situation a little fishy! If they had to roll heads indiscriminately in your department, I can definitely understand (though not agree with) the impersonal approach. However, if you have a performer in the group, you'll do whatever it takes to retain that person. That's what Enron is trying to do now, but offering retention bonuses despite all the mess they're in. When it comes right down to it, if the business wants to survive they'll pay whatever it takes to keep the "essential" employees. In any case you have no obligation to stay till they find someone.
Sorry, I haven't followed the board in the last few days. What type of work are you in? As far as a computer deciding your employement, that is the most cowardly thing I have ever heard. I would demand to know what factors the computer is using to determine who to terminate. If your work is well above the average employee, you should have the right to find out how this decision was made. I don't know what state you are in but alot of states have employment laws to protect you. If you have some senority, good reviews from your supervisors and no major problems with anyone, you should have some protection. I am responsible to 21 employees, if I have to let someone go, I can't just make up a reason. I have to show justifiable reasons for doing so or I stand to be hit with major damages.
CLIENT SERVICES.... i am hunting a lawyer now..Who I will have to negotiate my severance and see if there is any potential fo any litigous action and possibly on a class level since they did the same exact thing to another business unit.
Computer decision? Maybe it was your EQ credit report. Who the heck knows what our info is being used for.
Thank goodness that I am out of the 4-5 club or they would have fired me and gave me no severance!! I can have some humor about this huh?
Onward and Upward In today's economy and volatile work environment, change your way of thinking. You are your own corporation. Pick yourself up - dust yourself off and sell all of your great skills and knowledge. Don't cry over (spoiled) spilled milk. You have a lot to offer - and there is alway someone who will pay for it. Sample Job Links: www.monster.com www.hotjobs.com www.computerjobs.com Do you have special skills someone would pay for on a contractual basis? If so, go to Kinkos - get business cards printed - and start marketing yourself to those who could use what you know. - Best of Luck!
