I am a part of the enrollment team at one of the twelve schools that was scheduled to teach out, therefore laying off the enrollment team. On July 8th, each employee met with HR to discuss the amount of severance that they agreed to settle with us given our time worked. This amount along was a joke. But now, after we are vacant of our campuses, HR has stated that due to a hold on funds by the department of education, CCi can no longer honor our severance packages. Forget the verbal agreement and written letter that they provided us. We are not getting paid. HR will not notify these employees either. You have to call them directly and ask where your check is. No longer employed, and they're still able to screw us. Thanks CCi.
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Hopefully remaining employees are taking note and looking for new jobs, not waiting it out in hopes of gaining some severance.
$7,500 in CO according to this list: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/small-claims-suits-how-much-30031.html
I believe it is $3500....not positive (Colorado)
Oh, I was talking small claims case. Nothing complicated or long. What's the maximum small claims amount in your state?
10% is very conservative. Attorneys on contingency (no payment until settlement) will take 30% - 40%. Given the relatively low dollar amount and low hisory of success, most will not take this kind of case on contingency, so you are left paying $150.00/hour+ for a case that will take a liong time to litigate and is unlikely to succeed. Agree with the suggestion for small claims (no attorney involved) - assuming the documentation you have clearly committed to a specific payout without reservation.
Lawsuits take forever. Justice is not swift. It probably isn't worth discussing with an attorney. They will take 10% of any money they get on your behalf. Then you will be taxed as well. Small claims is your best bet.
23240 - I see it differently. Beyond earned payroll, former employees are rarely considered a high priority. Severence is not earned payroll. As you noted, secured creditors and the attorneys will get theirs (or a portion thereof, depending on the liquid assets). Severence is never guaranteed, and the later you are riffed the less you get as funds dwindle. In this case, it looks like even the early riffs get nothing. Not sure what was provided in writing, but I doubt it can easily be enforced, and I would be surprised if it did not have "fine print" providing CCI an out. Go ahead and hire an attorney - but be prepared to stand in a long line behind other unhappy employees, students, creditors, shareholders, government officials, etc. The idea of contacting the media might actually have merit, although I sense that this is a company without a conscience that has long since developed very thick skin regarding unfavorable media coverage (Yes, Jack, they are talking about us, because we behave very badly......). Call one of the investigative TV reporters and schedule the interview in front of the campus. Let HR know of your plan two days in advance and give them a chance to hand you a certified check. Good luck!
I suggest smiling and dialing.
Simply take them to court, and they will have to find a way to pay, and even if they file bankruptcy before you obtain your judgment, you're still very high on the bankruptcy priority list, basically under the attorneys and secured creditors.
Contact DOE, Fitzgerald and the media. This should be remedied.