Im losing my job after 26 years and my severance package seems pitiful can Wage and Hour Bureau help?

I have worked for a company for 26 years. In August I transfered to a store in Wilson NC from Virginia Beach Va. The company advertized that 2 more stores will open in the future in Rocky Mount and Raleigh. After 8 months they are closing the store and I can not afforded to move back to Va. The severance package is for 12 weeks. After 26 years which I never had any issues, I feel cheated and unappreaciated. Would it be to my advantage or disadvantage to call Wage and Hour I dont want to loose the little Im getting. Need advise.

michr

severance is not required by law there is nothing the department of labor can/will do for you.
12 weeks severance is very generous, in case you have not noticed this economy is shrinking and companies have to down-size accordingly.

the person that suggested you retain counsel and some how force the employer to keep you knows absolutely nothing about labor law and employment "at-will".

Heather V

Severance is not required to be given you can refuse it and get nothing

johnn

If you are a salary (also called "exempt") employee, you essentially have NO RIGHTS. If you are salary, consider yourself LUCKY that you even got a severence package.
Also, be careful with pursuing a new job in these 12 weeks! If you are still only to get weekly checks during that time, they may stop payments when you get a new job. If you got your check in one lump sum, then you're ok to get a new job. And, yes, they can just "stop" paying you that weekly severence, if that's how they're giving it to you. The law offers no protection to we exempts.

The only positive action for yourself is a lawsuit against the company, and far more companies have been losing these days due to questionable firing practices. IF you took the job BECAUSE your employer told you it wsa going to be long-term employment, and as long as you were a good employee, then you may have a legal case against them and should consult a lawyer with an expertise in employment law.

ALSO, you should flat-out TELL them, not request, TELL them in a professional and cool tone that you appreciated the opportunity they had offered you which resulted in your moving and that you expect them to honor their word and place you at the other store in the area with the SAME wages and benefits. It is key that you do this from a legal aspect, should you find a lawyer who will pursue this case, if you choose to go further. Also, IF YOU DO NOT ASK, you will not receive. Most people just lay down and take the axe, and that is a 100% certain termination, but if you ask, who knows, you may not get terminated.

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