In Florida, must I sign an agreement not to sue my employers to receive my vacation pay and severence pay?

Question

I was terminated after almost 9 years of employment with no warning. I received a 6% raise 2 years ago, and had not had a yearly review since then. I was not told I was doing anything wrong and had no write-ups in that 2 year period that I was aware of. When I asked why I was being terminated I was told I hadn't made any improvements, even though I was ahead of schedule on the projects that I was working on. I know Florida is a "right to work" state, but I would just like my pay with having to sign this document. Do I have have any recourse at all?

Answer 1

Do not sign ANYTHING until you talk to a lawyer. Your employer probably fears a lawsuit, justified or not, and thats why they want you to sign. Tell your employer you are exploring your legal options and DO NOT SIGN!!!

Get the advice of a good lawyer. You might have a case, you might not. If you do have a case, it could take years to get any money out of it. Even if you don't, your employer might be willing to pay you more just to drop it. I have seen both happen in the past.
But do not sign until you talk to a lawyer!!!!

Answer 2

In Oklahoma I quit a job where one of the benefits was a week paid vacation after one year of employment. I put in my notice and was told that I would not be able to get my vacation pay since I had not taken my vacation before I quit. I went to the Department of Labor which every state has and filed a complaint. They investigated and I recieved a check for my untaken vacation that my employer said I would never see so to not even think about it about a month after I filed. I am sure you have a Department of Labor in Florida. Go see them and ask them what recourse you have because most likely you have one (Oklahoma is a right to work state too...)Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

I too am in Florida and I don't think you have any recourse, however is there also not a paper that says you are being let go and the reason for it. Somewhere on that page or on the disclaimer you can write that you protest the firing. I know that when I did have a write up I was allowed to put down my reasons for not agreeing. But i do think you have to sign to get your pay.

Answer 4

Depends on state law. You may have to sign to get severance either way. With Florida being a right to work state they can terminate for any reason.

Answer 5

vacation pay;no... severance pay;maybe

question is, do you have a reason to sue them? Are they firing you just to replace you with cheaper help? You may have a case for "wrongful termination",which is a Federal Law Statute. Also I'd consider if you were exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation that could cause you delayed illness in the future.

Answer 6

NJ has a raggedy law like FL. Corporate America specialty is, use, abuse and throw away. Is there recourse? Try the ACLU/law school in your area.
I noticed the state and county agencies in NJ are unwilling to enforce state laws. This form of law is not only useless, but, it is also a waste of taxpayers dollars (millions, if not billions).

Answer 7

Contact the Florida Employment Commission.

http://www.stateofflorida.com/Portal/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=10

I wouldn't sign anything, but that's up to you.

I would send them a certified letter, copied to the employment commission, demanding my pay.

Answer 8

Have they denied you unemployment benefits? If they have not, then I would consider yourself well glad to be out of a company with such low professional standards. If however they have denied you unemployment benefits, then you have a valid complaint. The folks at the unemployment will be able to help you with that. You have more rights that you know.

Answer 9

No verify this with the Employement Commission.

Answer 10

I have never heard of a agreement such as what you're writing about. The answer is NO!!!