Are people really being laid off without severance? This is the first time I've heard about this and now my anxiety and stress level are about twice as bad as they were. It's one thing to be laid off with severance. It's bad, but at least you have some kind of a safety net to fall back on. But without severance? Being laid off is then no different than being fired through no fault of your own. This is unconscionable.
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@3qsj+1dLA8OhU
Not saying they're entitled to severance and many contractors have less freedom to negotiate than you think because they're required to be brought on through agencies. And if you're an employee or a contractor, having your job eliminated right before the holidays s_cks, esp when the job is moved to a low-cost destination.
Why should contractors be entitled to severance just because they chose TR, over other opportunities. I speak as a former contractor and TR/Reuters employee. As a contractor I was paid a higher rate, which is not unusual as contractors have to take the risk that they can be released at very short notice. But, as for getting severance payment as contractor, I do not know any company that offered this.
In the UK, the Taxman would also deem you a permanent employee if this happened.
Those who enter the world of Contracting know the risks and lack of benefits, which Is why they are usually paid more.
I have known people who were laid off at TR and we’re not asked to train their replacements and they still got their severance. I think that is a strawman argument.
Let’s Go, Brandon!
After reading these posts, I also became anxious like the OP. So I checked the policy.
The US severance policy says they won't pay severance when an employee is terminated for performance reasons, or voluntarily leaves (i.e. quits for another job). But only employees are entitled to severance. Some of the staff now being eliminated may be contractors. This still s_cks because like employees, they chose TR over other opportunities.
Suppose someone is laid off, and they have to train their low-cost replacement. They're given a month to do that, and then after, they leave and their severance begins. Suppose that during the severance period, that low-cost replacement is also low on brains as well. During the severance period, can TR force you to return and backfill?
I would guess that if they don't need you to stay and train your replacement then no severance. Gotta keep those bonuses up for corporate you know.