COVID-19 Employment Questions

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Have You Got COVID-19 Employment Questions?

Given the high rate of layoffs, furloughs, and other employment terminations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and questions about the new acts passed by Congress, Jackson Spencer Law is offering review of documentation and teleconference sessions to provide advice to employees who have questions about:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the benefits it provides for paid sick leave, including for employees having to care for children whose schools have closed
The CARES Act and the expansions it makes to unemployment compensation
Furlough issues
Paid and unpaid sick and medical leave issues
Severance payments
Non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disclosure or other restrictions that could hamper your ability to find employment at this difficult time
Unemployment compensation through the Texas Workforce Commission, as expanded by the CARES Act
Your rights in a layoff or other employment termination
Any other employment-related issues

The cost for this review is $200 for a 30-minute conference or $400 for a 60-minute conference. If you would like to speak with one of our experienced employment attorneys, fill out this form and one of our staff will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

Here's Your Action Plan:

DON'T SIGN RIGHT AWAY

Take your time before your sign. Review the package in detail, analyze the offer, and negotiate or retain a lawyer to assist you. If you are over 40, employers are required to allow you a minimum of 21 days to consider the offer. You need to fully understand the agreement, weigh your options, and decide whether to negotiate for better terms.

GATHER YOUR INFORMATION

Locate relevant documentation (your original offer letter; employee handbook;, information on the company severance plan; emails concerning issues that may be grounds to claim wrongful termination or unfair treatment; documentation of your health and disability insurance, retiree medical benefits, vacation time, compensation, and stock options; non-compete, intellectual property inventions, non-disclosure, and mandatory arbitration agreements). This will help determine exactly what has been offered to you, what has been left out, and whether you can improve your severance through negotiation.

CONSIDER LEVERAGE

If you were terminated because you belong to a protected class, due to an illness or disability, as a matter of retaliation, or in violation of a written or implied contract, you may have grounds to claim wrongful termination or to negotiate a better severance package. If you sign a severance agreement without negotiation, you likely will be giving away these rights forever.

DECIDE WHETHER TO NEGOTIATE

Most of the time, severance agreements are negotiable, but in some situations, an employer may be able to revoke an offer of severance if you reject the offer. You will never know whether your employer will negotiate unless you ask.

DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT

The most common terms to negotiate include total compensation (cash, bonuses, stock options, unused vacation time, etc.), insurance coverage, disability benefits, letters of recommendation or a favorable statement regarding your “voluntary separation,” outplacement assistance, your ability to exercise stock options, and terms of or release from any non-compete.

CONSIDER HIRING A LAWYER

Often an experienced lawyer can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your situation. Further, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a better deal for you as many employers are more willing to negotiate once you get a lawyer involved.

Contact Us Today:

An Experienced Severance Attorney Can Help

Our Attorneys

Fighting for Employees in Texas

Experienced. Knowledgable. Caring.

The attorneys at Jackson Spencer Law are here for you. We know the law — and we know the rights and protections that employers owe to their workers. Whether it’s negotiating a severance package or a settlement with an employer, navigating the complexities of a whistleblower case, or taking a discrimination lawsuit to court — let our Texas legal team go to work for you.

Jennifer Spencer

Attorney

An experienced trial lawyer and CPA known for her aggressive, organized, and highly effective litigation style, Jennifer Spencer is a champion for the rights of those who have been wrongfully terminated, discriminated against, sexually harassed, terminated after whistleblowing, passed over for promotions or otherwise wrongfully treated in the workplace.

Neal Bridges

Attorney

Neal Bridges approaches every employment matter with the understanding that he’s not only delivering justice for his clients, but also peace of mind and hope for the future. He is experienced in a wide array of employment law situations, from negotiating severance agreements to representing clients in litigation over wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, or retaliation.

James Hunnicutt

Attorney

James Hunnicutt’s entire professional history has been focused on advocating for those who have been taken advantage of and treated unfairly. He draws on his background as a consumer protection lawyer to advocate for employees who have been treated unfairly in the workplace, and he works aggressively and thoroughly to vindicate employees’ rights.