Thread regarding IBM layoffs

If leaving on a PIP and qualified for retirement - can you do so?

I'm pretty sure for RA the retirement option is always there.

Thought I heard in general that's true. Helps them with stats too - and current retirement benefits cost them nothing for the most part.

Curious as for me I'd probably just retire early - but need the health plan access for my wife (switching is a bi--h for her needs).

At least I think my boss would openly discuss whether he thought I'd pass and whether (if asked) retirement was an option and how. (he wants me - I just can't do the 3 now 4 person's work dumped as others leave)

If it is a "utilization PIP", they might offer one month of severance if you agree to the terms of the "PIP".

That is because it is really an RA and they know they are giving you BS since they were supposed to find projects for you so that you could have hours to bill.

@1vrb

Petty is IBM not matching 401K unless you survive all the PIPs and layoffs up through December 15th.

Also what complaint can you file if the manager did not follow the IBM process of coaching/supporting you to meet your numbers and setting proper smart goals during the PIP

Thanks for the update and detailed information. Yes i have some BCG violations that occurred before the PIP based on ostracism silent treatment favoritsm as compared to colleagues who are in same boat and not place on PIP and setup for failure . What complaints i can file for this with employee concerns or with any government agency for this ?

@kxv+1iKdGlnF way to be petty. This is the wal

Look for a new job while archiving everything you will need, and deleting the rest. Take all of your sickdays, so that your last sickday is the day the PIP ends. Do zero IBM work while you are out sick. Not being able to serve your paperwork because you are out sick will drive management crazy. And once they shut off your access, they can't do it digitally. Taking all your sickdays will also not give IBM any opportunity for any knowledge transfer you may have.

Remember, IBM did this to you unjustly, proving they are not on your side - you are simply returning the favor.

What happens on last day of the PIP. Will you receive a letter of termination for cause and all access will stop working ?

• Pretty much. It's not an RA, so there's no further notice period or severance. You should qualify for unemployment. Unless you're SURE you can make your numbers, I'd say use your PIP time to find another job.

What happens to your unused vacation ? Are they going to pay out . If not are you legally allowed to go on leave for any specific reason they cannot deny and use up all your unused vacation . or will they fire you during vacation

• You get any vacation earned. So if your PIP ends end of 3Q and you qualify for 4 weeks per year, you get 3 weeks. If you have take 2, the remaining week would be paid out. You can use your vacation time during your PIP, but then you won't be paid out and surely won't make your numbers. Vacation will not extend your PIP timeframe. If your PIP ends e.g., Wed and you take a week, you will get the remaining 2 days paid out in a paycheck.

What happens to unused sick and optional holidays

• gone

Will they offer any severance or COBRA at end of the PIP ?

• no severance. it's not an RA. COBRA is mandated by law and typically 18 months of coverage with some rules about when you have to apply by. You will be responsible for the full cost, so it will be quite a bit more expensive than what is taken out of your paycheck. You may want to look into other options to compare.

If an valid employee concern is filed related to the PIP based on violation of COBC guidelines can they still terminate you for PIP before it completes.

• That really depends. Likely, yes. But you can always try. If you have already reported illegal activity then you are protected by whistleblower laws. If you are reporting after the PIP is in place or if it's an ethics/BC only and not illegal, that can be grey.

Anybody went through litigation around this with IBM and what law firms are recommended for most knowledge around this

• No clue. I think most people just blow off the PIP and find a new job. Hopefully someone else can post. It's likely to be expensive and fruitless unless you have excellent documentation.