My husband was laid off last week due to reduction in work force. The bonus checks for the 2007 year are due to be printed in the next few weeks. Is he still entitled to receive his bonus since he did work the whole 2007 year.

Thank you,

Depends on what corporate policy says about eligibility for a bonus.

How would I find out about their policy? I don't think they are going to want to give me that info.

How would I find out about their policy? I don't think they are going to want to give me that info.


Does your husband have a copy of the policy? If they aren't going to give it to you the only way I can think of to get it is from another employee or, if he does not get the bonus, sue in Small Claims and be prepared for whatever documentation they bring.

Hello stacis:

Some companies don't have written policy. If you called, you could be right about what they'll tell you. If they do that kind of dance, I'll bet that means hubby WON'T be getting a check. If he is getting one, then there wouldn't be any reason for them to give you a runaround.

I'd call 'em up.

If he doesn't get a check when everybody else gets one, and they don't have, or refuse to provide you with written policy, he still may have some redress. That depends, of course, on many factors including the reasons for the bonus, how the bonus is calculated, who gets the bonus, how long he's been getting the bonus, and how they've handled this particular bonus situation before. Your husband probably isn't the first case.

Ultimately, if it looks like he's being cheated, and the bonus is a lot of money, then you might seek legal counsel. A good lawyer might just be able to shake a check out of them with one threatening letter.

excon

Being laid off just at bonus check times doesn't sound too good to me. Sounds like the company is having financial problems and probably won't be handing out checks to anyone this year. Do follow up though and see what info you can get out of them. Does hubby have any friends who are still employees? Any friends that are in the same boat he is, laid off?

I would agree, unless you have a written contract that you would receive a bonus, then I really doubt you will ever see it, ( sorry)