Yesterday, the CEO of Honeywell PMT (Performance Materials & Technologies) announced that by July 31, 2020, global headquarters would be relocated from NJ to Houston. My position, as I learned through a call from the VP of Human Resources and the CCO, is one of those affected. On the call, they told me how much I was valued as an employee and that they were hopeful I would make the decision to move to TX with the division. Shortly after said meeting, I received a letter that stated quite clearly that we have two choices: move or be terminated - and what's more, they consider a refusal to move to be a "resignation" and thus not eligible for severance.
They had a virtual Town Hall in the afternoon and folks were understandably upset about the timing of the announcement, specifically moving the division to a COVID-19 hotspot and providing a company-paid visit to Houston to "familiarize [us] with the area" that would have to be taken before December 18. Someone else asked whether changing positions to remote would be an option, and the CEO shot them down immediately, stating that while he appreciates the efforts made by employees to make the best of their situation during the lockdown, Honeywell continues to mandate a "collaborative" and "team-building" environment and will not be considering remote work in lieu of a physical move.
He went on to pay lip service to the notion of "retaining top talent," paying no mind whatsoever to the fact that most "top talent" will not work for a company that (a) has mandated a "move with us or resign and get nothing" policy, and (b) insists on living in the dark ages by not allowing its employees to continue working from home once COVID restrictions are lifted.
Many of us have spouses, children, and elderly parents whose lives would be profoundly impacted by the upheaval of relocation. This proves that Corporate only cares about their bottom line and it is not only dehumanizing but downright heartless. I for one am disgusted that they're allowed to get away with this.