Thread regarding Northwestern Mutual layoffs

So why didn't the lawyer you spoke with start a class action lawsuit?

i also left at the end of '17. I had a very expensive employment lawyer review the agreement before I signed. His interpretation was that the agreement did not prevent us from participating in a class action law suit. I have talked to a few others who got the same legal opinion. Basically it you sign you can't initiate but you can be a member of the class. i have heard that they are no longer using the "wrong skills to succeed in the future" approach at termination as they have been challenged and they do not have anything to support the statement. everyone wrongly believes they have spent months building mountains of documentation in the NM way. They actually have nothing more than a director'ss decision on how they will meet their severance quotas. today they are apparently using the " your position is no longer needed" BS as no documentation is required for this approach

Had i known then about the ageism in hiring today i would have sued for a bigger payout.

Below is a paragraph from the severance agreement in 2017.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Employee agrees that he/she will never file or pursue any claims, charges, grievances or proceedings of any kind in any form against the Company or any Releasee with respect to any matter concerning Employee’s employment with the Company or any Releasee, or Employee’s separation (and Employee will not permit any to be filed on his/her behalf). Employee fully understands that this Agreement specifically includes, but is not limited to, a release of all claims of age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and any other claims of discrimination under the United States and any state constitution, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Americans With Disabilities Act, Wisconsin fair employment laws, Federal and Wisconsin family and medical leave laws, any other state or local employment discrimination laws or ordinances, and any and all other state, federal, or local laws that regulate or relate to the employment relationship or employee benefits. Employee acknowledges that the severance benefits provided for under this Agreement and the Plan are in consideration for Employee signing this Agreement and the waivers and releases contained herein.

Does the package specifically exclude you from being an involuntary plaintiff in a class action suit?