Q: Negotiating a severance package before getting attorneys involved.
Company is downsizing and I was laid off. I get it. However, I was offered a weak severance package. Should I amicably counter with what I believe is fair (3 times what they offered), without introducing the hostile work environment and age discrimination I felt I experience during my tenure? Or should I at least hint at it, thereby indicating what next steps might look like if they don’t agree to my terms?
A: This is a good question. Understandably, you do not state how long you have been with the company, how much they are offering you, and how much you would accept. However, I think it may be beneficial for you to get a free consultation from an employment lawyer to assist you in determining an amount of severance that you would accept that the company may agree to based upon the specific facts as well as discuss what you would say when you speak with the company. A lawyer can also let you know the type and amount of damages you may be entitled to should you not accept the severance or should the company not accept your counter-offer. It may well be worth it to try to negotiate something on your own. However, there is a lot of value for you to get a free consultation to help you try to negotiate it on your own with the lawyer on stand by should negotiations fail. Hope that helps!
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