Thread regarding Verizon Wireless layoffs

So with things going on in the world I was laid off lack to work. At work we go by seniority the boss ask who wants to work who wants to take a voluntary lay off. Well all the older guys usual decide to work. Well for the past 3 weeks I have been laid. Now that the bill has passed the older guys want to take a lay-off and force us younger guys back to work. Just so they can collect the extra 600 on unemployment isn’t this considered fraud? Bc when you fill out unemployment it ask why’re you laid off due to lack of work not because I want to take a volunteer lay off

Depends on the state. Vzw denied mine but allowed 5 others I know to have it. Vz lost on my appeal. Tell them that Verizon didn't offer you a new position (which they didn't) and that your position was eliminated (which it was). They did VSP to try to deflect all of the claims. Didn't work too well.

People that are saying if you accept VSP you forfeit unemployment are flat out wrong.

Voluntary layoff = Getting paid to quit company.

Company layoff = forced to leave company not by choice.

If you volunteer to quit and are lucky enough to get paid for it why the hell do you think you should be allowed to collect unemployment benefits? id--t

Depends on your state laws. I am in Ohio and I applied and I am now getting push back . Cellco Paternship stated I ' Quit - Personal reason '' . Those reasons would not allow me to collect unemployment . When you look at the separation agreement and release from Verizon Wireless ; 3rd bullet points states '' I am giving up my right to claim benefits ''. I have to respond to a questionnaire and from it is looking like I more likely will not be receiving unemployment benefits .

Why not do the smart thing and ask your HR representative.

You can collect unemployment in MA because of the states rules - and the fact that you are signing a release as part of the separation. this probably varies state by state, as others have noted

Q) If my employer was doing layoffs and asked for volunteers for unemployment, would I be able to qualify for unemployment after accepting a Voluntary Separation Package?

A) If you do accept your Voluntary Separation Package it is best to apply for unemployment Benefits as you may be eligible. You are always entitled to apply for unemployment benefits if you have lost your job or partially employed. However keep in mind that The general requirement for unemployment insurance benefits is:

Have received enough wages during the base period to establish a claim.

Be totally or partially unemployed.

Be unemployed through no fault of his/her own.

Be physically able to work.

Be available for work which means to be ready and willing to immediately accept work.

Be actively looking for work.

Meet eligibility requirements each week benefits are claimed.

Be approved for training before training benefits can be paid.

This has nothing to do with severance pay...this has everything to do with the fact that you are voluntarily leaving your job (read: quitting voluntarily).

If you volunteer, you ARE NOT being layed off or fired...you are quitting the same way you'd be quitting if you didn't collect a severance package.

Illinois considers severance pay as money you receive for work you did during the time you were employed. Since your severance pay is not considered income, it will not usually affect your unemployment benefits.

In Minnesota they contact VZW and find out your severance period and then unemployment kicks in after the severance period if you have not found another job. Max of 6 months.

In New Jersey, you can collect unemployment if a Severance is paid out in a lump sum.

"NJ Unemployment and Severance Pay: Although many states consider severance pay as income, New Jersey does not. According to the New Jersey Unemployment Insurance Law, claimants receiving severance pay are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Furthermore, severance pay does not reduce benefits. The qualification is that the severance pay cannot extend the employee’s employment."

Not only are you essentially quitting, but say you could win unemployment by proving "constructive termination" where your employer made things such that ANYONE would quit in your shoes, just so they could say they didn't fire you...

Even then the severance and vacation pay you left with counts against you. So if you're getting 24 weeks say, then you can't get unemployment for 24 weeks.

As mentioned it would depend on your state. The blue company has you sign something that basically says you can't sue them for being let go in order to be eligible for the money and benefit offer. Happened to me once but found another position internally before the end date.

The offers going out for VZ are waaayyyy more generous. Unless I was really in a bad spot I'd take it. There may come a time when it's less or even nothing when they show you the door. No matter which of these companies we work for or what position, it's just a matter of time so at least be prepared.

The FAQ basically states that if your UE office sends them paperwork asking the cause of separation, VZ will respond saying that you voluntarily left.

If your state will give you Unemployment if you quit, you might receive unemployment. Most states will pay out in this situation unless other extreme circumstances are met.

You are all right...depending on the state you live in. Unemployment rules vary from State to State, so the real answer to your question is "it depends". Look up your State's unemployment compensation guidelines for your specific situation.

Hans was on CNBC this morning explaining the Package more before talking about OATH, etc. Google CNBC Hans Vestberg for the video. It sounded like the real layoffs are coming in November like usual.

Yes... You are still eligible for unemployment.

This topic is addressed in the FAQ document.

Not true.. they are asking for people to volunteer to be laid off.. you are not resigning. The layoff package makes you eligible for unemployment. Stop posting lies.

If you accept voluntary separation you forfeit any unemployment benefits. A Meeting scheduled for Monday in cfs Charleston. By Monday you’ll know more. Someone will post in this forum, trust me.

You 100 percent sure or just guessing on your answer

Nope. You’re essentially saying that you’re quitting by signing it.