[lileclair21]

I worked for a company, we (the associates) got news that the company was closing the store, and that we were being laid off, but if we stayed until the very end we would all get severence pay. The time came and the store closed, and me and a fellow employee were denied of our severence pay because we were not available on the last few days they were open, they knew I was unavailable due to school one of the days and never contacted me to come in the other day. What should I do? Ive contacted many people in human resources and others within the direct compnay, so far I have gotten no responses and no phone calls back. What would happen if I took this to small claims court, or any court? What should I do?

[ScottGem]

Do you have anything in writing about the severance policy?

[lileclair21]

No they verbally told me and my fellow associates in a meeting and never offered nor gave us anything. Being a big corporation they were not very well organized and are unreachable and not returning calls. I do not have anything on their policy

[ScottGem]

Without written documentation you don't have much of a case. You would have to get the other employees to join in suing them.

[lileclair21]

I am able to get my co-workers one other did not get her severence either and the other 2 witnessed what happened. Would I have a case then? What if I get some sort of documentation?

[ScottGem]

If you can get testimony of the promise, then you can take them to court.

[lileclair21]

So should I take it to small claims? Or higher court?

[ScottGem]

How much are you owed?

[lileclair21]

I am owed a week severence ($400)... also I was going to claim unemployment while looking for a job but now I can't because they filed me as quitting.

[ScottGem]

Before going to small claims court on this. I would contact the Unemployment people and your state Labor Relations board. They may have a better avenue for you to collect.