We are hearing there are 1:1 meetings to discuss "your future." But you need to sign non-disclosure that you won't discuss anything about the meeting. So, when I sign this non-disclosure and you say, "your job may go away. No package for you" then I cannot discuss that to my attorney, or any further (class) action.
Think about what you sign and how it limits your furutre actions!!!
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Oh they always try to get you to sign unenforceable NDA and non-compete.
Depending on the state they have been deemed unenforceable.
I never signed an NDA when hired. Must be for all the young folks.
I see everyone here read the things they were signing when hired, including an NDA....
NEVER sign anything on the spot!
You're not buying a new toaster at a car dealership.
And just like dealers, they will take advantage of your psychological state in that kind of moment. Just take the document and say "I will have to discuss with my spouse". Done...
Just my 2 cents but from my experience, be very very careful if your manager or HR asks you to sign an NDA or ANY legal disclaimer at a private 1:1 meeting. When I worked at another company that was going through layoffs, HR asks everyone who was being let go to sign a bunch of legal documents that they claimed was a standard boiler plate NDA. In fact, the legal document that they wanted to sign was a legal disclaimer that basically said "By signing this, I promise not to sue the company for any reasons if I am terminated."
By signing the documents, all the future ex-employees forfeited the right to sue the company for any reason including discrimination or exposure to toxic chemicals (I worked at a plant that dealt with carcinogenic materials). I read it and didn't sign, got a bunch of emails from HR saying "You MUST sign the disclaimer" but still got my last pay and severance. HR will posture and make it seem like this a normal separation agreement and that you had to sign it in order to receive your severance or last pay. Don't fall for it, don't let them pressure you into signing away your legal right without reading the document closely or having a lawyer take a look at it. Look out for yourselves!
I don't know if anyone has ever been blackballed or terminated for not signing the legal disclaimer. But I do know that if they shove a legal disclaimer or an NDA for you to sign, I would be very cautious because you may be signing away your right to sue for discrimination or retaliation in case you are let go in the future. In addition, if the NDA also contains a non-compete agreement, then you are also signing away your ability to work at another OEM or supplier if you are let go. All in all, I would rather NOT sign the NDA or any legal disclaimer and have an attorney review the disclaimer. If you are terminated or blackballed because you refused to sign an NDA or a legal liability disclaimer, you may actually end up having a pretty case for retaliation in that the company retaliated against you by firing you because you reported the company for discrimination if you are let go.
I left Ford during SRD after 29 years but a younger friend mine who had fewer years with the company took the package too. He was part of HILL and they were hiring younger engineers back then like there is no tomorrow. Initially he was not sure, but his supervisor and his manager promised him if he takes the package, he will hire him back the next day doing the same job. They even set up a meeting with his chief engineer and he promised the same thing. He left end of December and fast forward to End of February, my friend kept contacting his supervisor, manager and even his chief but no one ever contacted him once. He started working for GM in Spring and he is so happy that now he thanks Ford to deceiving him to leave. It is all about getting rid of employee who started to work before year 2000 due pension.
Bottom line, don’t trust Ford management.
You can tell you attorney anything. Lol.
Honest question - suppose you don’t sign, has anyone been screwed (getting an involuntary shortly after, getting blackballed for the remainder of your position there, anything else???
Do employees have any legal leverage by not signing there and then?
Yes dont sign anything unless your lawyer reviews it.Dont go by any quick money they provide to keep your mouth shut!!!
I worked at for for 3 years 2004-2007. It was the most pain full experience as an engineer . Just not sure how can it be worse. After many years still sounds the same. People are in pain from Ford management.
to young people - trust me don't work for them you will be 40 soon!
Send it to propublica
Just sign and blab it out. Non-disclosures are used to preserve competitive edge (which Ford lacks anyways) and not unethical or illegal behavior. Will not hold up in court if it violates your employee/human rights, because that would be an illegal contract to begin with.
Hush money fixes everything.
Do not sign anything you are given in the moment. Understand they will pressure you, and lie to you, to get you to sign. Tell them you will take the document, review it with an independent lawyer, and get back to them. If they refuse to release the document simply refuse to sign.
Don't sign it.
Man up.