Legal Question in Employment Law in Florida

Layed off, had to find out by competitors calling and taunting.

I was recently 1 out of 3800 people layed off,after 3 yts of employment and the way we found out was through our competitors calling and taunting us. We were told by company execs that there would be no layoffs via conference call numerous times, and then after massive competitors calling, security guards came into the office with an HR rep and told us our office is no longer and we have 14 of medical insurance left. My wife and I are having a baby in 1 month and currently have no way to pay for Cobra. We should not have found out that way, it was not only embarrassing, degrading, and cruel, but those 2 days with no idea of what was going on was torture. what options do we have?


Asked on 5/05/06, 4:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mayra Colon Colon Partners, P.A.

Re: Layed off, had to find out by competitors calling and taunting.

I am sorry to hear this, as I know how unsettling something like this can be. Unfortunately, there is not much. First, keep in mind that if you have all signed releases or separation agreements of some sort, you may have waived all rights. Second, with regards to the statements made to competitors, there will not be any cause of action unles the statements were defamatory. Third, with regards to the lack of notice, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act ("WARN" Act) requires certain employers to provide 60 days advance notice of mass layoffs and/or plant closures. The requirements are very technical, and I would need to ask you for more information. If you want to address this further, feel free to e-mail me privately at [email protected].

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Answered on 5/05/06, 6:57 am


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