Last week they’ve sent The 2019 Pathway to Retirement to IBM Canada employees. In short, they are asking us to decide by 6/14 if we want it… If we accept, we need to leave in early September. I know many folks who will take it and it surely beats options that include being affected by a massive RA which I am personally expecting to happen this Summer.
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Criteria are 55 yrs old and minimum 5 yrs service, or 30 yrs service.
Does anybody know if everybody who meets the criteria gets the offer...
The 2018 offer was sent to all Canadian employees over 55. Not sure about the requirement for length of service.
IBM has a different plan this time around. Many employees over 55 did not get the 2019 offer.
Recent IBM advertisements mention a Watson algorithm that customers can use to identify employees that might leave. The related software then suggests ways to retain key employees.
My guess is: IBM is using this software against their own employees. People that might leave on their own do not * get a package offer. Is anyone surprised?*
Criteria are 55 yrs old and minimum 5 yrs service, or 30 yrs service. Does anybody know if everybody who meets the criteria gets the offer, or only those who management think the company can easily do without?
I believe IBM Canada is getting around having to pay severance by making everyone come back to the office
This technique works in the US where many states have "at will" employment. Forcing people to move allows IBM to avoid paying severance. Not so in Canada. You are entitled to severance if your employer insists that you move. There are exceptions. Some people signed agreements when starting to work from home allowing IBM to call them back to the office at their discretion. Also, new employees are now required to sign agreements limiting their ability to sue IBM. Anyone with more than 10 years employment will generally be able to fight IBM without such restrictions.
IBM's statement that "you will be deemed to have quit" is an empty threat. As always, get a lawyer who can help you fight back. They are well worth the upfront expense when dealing with a bully like IBM.
https://www.ibm.com/blogs/think/2017/10/transitioning-retirement/
I believe IBM Canada is getting around having to pay severance by making everyone come back to the office - in Markham. After years of sending people home to work from their homes, they have now decided to make everyone come back. Obviously, a lot of these people have relocated to various parts of Canada and can't uproot to go to work in Markham. Therefore if you don't show up, you have voluntarily resigned.
It is interesting that you say this deal is better than being RA'd.
IBM Canada offers you about half what you are entitled to under Canadian law. Then you must work part time until mid-summer as part of an extended notice period.
Keep working and outlast them! You make more money while on the job and get twice the RA payout when the time comes.
In any event: Get a lawyer. $5K in legal fees will net you $100K more.