Merck Layoffs (2013, unemployment, severance)

[jazzy jeff]

Originally Posted by rainrock

All good things must come to an end though. Getting laid off is never a good thing.

In her case it worked out. Collecting two years salary and unemployment was not bad for her. However in her circumstance her package was based on voluntary lay off. The package would of probably been a lot less if she was part of a massive layoff.

[Blinx]

Originally Posted by jazzy jeff

...It should also be noted in Pa. you can collect unemployment benefits through the severance period. She made out like a bandit. 99 weeks of UI benefits and 2 years collecting her full salary.

That was the case, but PA unemployment laws changed last year. UC benefits don't start until after your severance is finished.

As for what layoffs will occur in this area, the PA Dept. of Labor WARN Notices site says 500 will be gone from Montco. But that doesn't include the smaller amounts of people that have been laid off all year long.

[jazzy jeff]

Originally Posted by Blinx

That was the case, but PA unemployment laws changed last year. UC benefits don't start until after your severance is finished.

As for what layoffs will occur in this area, the PA Dept. of Labor WARN Notices site says 500 will be gone from Montco. But that doesn't include the smaller amounts of people that have been laid off all year long.

Really? That is the way it should be. Never understood why it was not.

[SassyPat]

About 4000 plus got laid off in West Point/Upper Gwynedd over the course of 48 hours. Sadly, I know from experience. They got hammered and are about to again in early 2014.

Thank goodness the WARN act still allows us to look for a job and still get paid until 12/24. Merry Christmas to us.

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by SassyPat

About 4000 plus got laid off in West Point/Upper Gwynedd over the course of 48 hours. Sadly, I know from experience. They got hammered and are about to again in early 2014.

Thank goodness the WARN act still allows us to look for a job and still get paid until 12/24. Merry Christmas to us.

Think it was 500, not 4,000. In any event, not good news for anyone - best of luck.

[SassyPat]

Well, from being at the site, it was more than 500. Don't forget Merck announced 8500 layoffs--mostly domestic--on 10/1. And I added Upper Gwynedd. Merck wants its's total workforce to be the same number as pre Schering days...around 60,000. That's 20,000 they are getting rid of.

And they just sent hand raising letters to ALL of MMD US today. More layoffs to come after 1/10/14.

[SassyPat]

Originally Posted by Angus215

Think it was 500, not 4,000. In any event, not good news for anyone - best of luck.

I know the SEC filings said 500, as did the news report. But 500 was in a couple buildings at WP. There were whole research departments that were wiped out due to project cuts. We were there...we know.

[SassyPat]

Originally Posted by jazzy jeff

Really? That is the way it should be. Never understood why it was not.

Yes, PA employees cannot collect unemployment until their severance is used. Found that out through this process.

[SassyPat]

UPDATED: The ax drops at troubled Merck as big restructuring gets underway - FierceBiotech

Now that 500 may not be the WARN act affected employees. They are technically still employed. But Merck sold off all its opthalmics, sold two plant sites in Puerto Rico and is shopping for consumer health buyers.

And now the MMD hand-raising letters. Terrible.

[SassyPat]

Originally Posted by SassyPat

I know the SEC filings said 500, as did the news report. But 500 was in a couple buildings at WP. There were whole research departments that were wiped out due to project cuts. We were there...we know.

But yes, they could have been staggered, but more than 500 got blue folders. Merck ultimately wants the work force to be around 40,000.