Unjust treatment and illegal practices in the workplace can leave workers feeling powerless and frustrated, particularly when it comes to matters of wages and severance pay. Such was the case for one person who was swindled out of his proper severance pay by his former company. However, the company was clueless that its actions would have quick effects.
It Was Supposed to Be a Temporary Layoff
But the OP knew otherwise. He knew that in his company, temporary meant permanent. He’d worked there seven years by this point.
“But legally, by claiming it was ‘temporary’, they didn’t have to give me any severance pay at that time. If I was not called back within 12 months, ‘temporary’ legally became ‘permanent’.”
They Thought He Would Forget, but They Were Wrong
They also thought that the OP wasn’t familiar with the law. Another error of judgment.
“54 weeks after losing my job, no check in the mail, I made a call.”
They Refused to Talk With Him
The company’s HR department refused to pick up the phone, so he left a voicemail. He told them this:
“‘According to my conversations with the Ministry of Labor, at this time, I am owed…’ (It was actually only one conversation, but I suggested it was multiple. To add a little pressure.)”
They Had to Pay Him Double
After this voicemail was left, the OP received his check in the mail the very next day.
“Got a phone call, 10 AM the next morning, my check went out that day… they legally had to pay me double. And they knew it.”
He Shared His Tale of Petty Revenge Online
The man took to an online forum to share his story of justice, and users applauded his actions.
“They gambled and lost. Imagine how many times they did this and won.”
No One Had Any Sympathy for the Company
Many users shared similar anecdotes of corporate scheming at the expense of the employees, therefore they had no sympathy for the organization.
“Good. Forget companies that make screwing over their employees part of their business model.”
Lessons Were Learned That Day
Most users agreed the company probably thought twice before messing with employees.
“I wonder what the bigger shock was for them: That they gambled and lost, or that you actually knew the law and were prepared to follow through with legal consequences where if they did not, it would cost them far more?”
Technicalities
The OP pointed out that this event took place a while ago, therefore the law may have changed.
“The correct term may have been Termination pay. Termination pay was equal to Severance pay. I was due Termination pay + Severance pay after a 12 month lay off.”
He Should Have Sought Legal Advice
The OP said that, in hindsight, he should have gotten a lawyer involved. Others disagreed.
“You should be the lawyer, you know things.”
A Lawyer Would Have Been a Waste of Money
Another user agreed that the OP didn’t need a lawyer and possibly would have lost out financially if he had hired one.
“Nah, no lawyer – you did great!! Plus, you didn’t have to split your money.”
Sometimes Sweet Revenge Takes Time
“Bahahahaha! Go you! That had to feel good, even if you had to wait a ridiculous time for it.”
He Sold the Family Home for Three Times What He Paid for It, but Now His Siblings Are Demanding a Share of the Profit
A man bought his two siblings out of their share of the family home when their mother passed away. Now he’s sold the house for three times the amount he paid for it, and his siblings are demanding a cut.
This Groom Invited His Ex-Girlfriend To His Wedding, But When She Showed Up In Suspenders He Had His Regrets!
Recently, a couple decided to have a micro wedding with just their immediate family, around ten people. They chose a venue known for holding significant events, but they hired a smaller room there.
This Groom Invited His Ex-Girlfriend To His Wedding, But When She Showed Up In Suspenders He Had His Regrets!
He Was Blinded by Love, Until He Learned About His Romanian Wife’s True Motives
In a tale fraught with deception and vengeance, a man recently divulged his experience of unmasking his Romanian wife’s infidelity and orchestrating a chain of events that ultimately led to the revocation of her Greencard, laying bare her hidden agenda.
He Was Blinded by Love, Until He Learned About His Romanian Wife’s True Motives