Microsoft Offers Buyouts to 60,000 Employees as Lawyer Warns of Possible Layoffs
Updated
Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Nov 3
Microsoft Offers Buyouts to 60,000 Employees as Lawyer Warns of Possible Layoffs
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Nov 3
Summary
About 60,000 Microsoft employees were offered buyouts last week, a move employment lawyer Craig Levey said often signals more layoffs could follow.
Levey said workers should first scrutinize the package terms — including payout timing, benefits, legal waivers, no-rehire clauses and unemployment eligibility — before deciding.
Future job security is the key calculation: employees already planning to leave may benefit, while those intending to stay long term risk giving up stable employment for a limited payout.
Negotiating may be difficult in a broad program, but Levey said workers who suspect discrimination or retaliation should consult counsel, and anyone considering acceptance should watch deadlines and tax consequences.