I quit my job, due to office relocation, travel time. I haven't filed for unemployment, since I didn't think I would get it anyway. However, shortly after leaving, my co. offered me a severance agreement/separation agreement. did they do something wrong,

Due to a conflict w/ another employee at work, my Pres. advised that I needed to move to another location, since the 2 of use couldn't get a long. I then relocated to the Devon Pa office over 1 1/2 hours traveling time going and another 2 hours on the return trip, home. After a week of this travel time I sent an email to management, advising of the hardship of this location, both physically and emotionally. I requested a compromise, split commute to the Cherry Hill office and the Devon office, anything but Devon 5 days a week. My email fell on deaf ears. No response. Shortly there after, I was advised that I needed to move again to the Malvern office, even further away. When I asked another VP, why do I have to move and the other CSR doesn't, they advised that she to will be moving, also. Pres wants the dept all together at one location I had been deceived on why I had to re-locate. there was a game plan, all along. It was to move the dept to the Malvern PA office.
After 1 days travel to Malvern Pa and a 4 + hour drive, I sent an email to management stating I could not do this trip any longer, and if we couldn't come to an agreement, then the next day would be my final day. At the end of the next day, Pres advised, the position is in Malvern. End of Story. So, at the end of the day, I prepared my follow co-workers for my departure.
I didn't file for unemployment, since I quit my job, but shortly after I was contacted by HR to advise that they wanted to give me a severance package and separation agreement . the other employee was told she to had to go to Malvern, she requested to be layed off, never leaving the Cherry Hill office.
I think they made a serious error, I need to speak to someone

2 answers  |  asked Jun 21, 2016 06:02 AM [EST]  |  applies to Pennsylvania

Answers (2)

Andrew Abramson
Your situation raises several issues. First, if the reason you were treated differently than the co-worker is protected by applicable discrimination laws, there could be a cause of action. Second, in situations where an employee resigns from work for a “necessitous and compelling reason”, the employee may be entitled to unemployment compensation benefits. (As substantial change in commuting distance from your home could be a qualifying reason). Third, any proposed Separation Agreement and Release requires you to Release claims in exchange for money, which may or may not be sufficient compensation. You should arrange for a comprehensive in office consultation to review all facts and the Separation Agreement as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact our firm to arrange for the same. For more information about our law see our website: www.job-discrimination.com. Andrew Abramson

posted by Andrew Abramson  |  Jun 21, 2016 06:35 AM [EST]
Doris Dabrowski
Proposing a severance agreement does not mean that the employer acknowledges wrongdoing. You should list concerns about any particular objectionable terms of the agreement, as well as terms that you do not understand. Consult an attorney to review the proposed agreement and your objections.

Employees who quit for compelling and necessitous reasons may be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.

posted by Doris Dabrowski  |  Jun 21, 2016 06:19 AM [EST]

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