Age Discrimination

[rtalbigr]

Why 2 1/2 hours away? That's a load of crap.

yes crap,
ask how much are they going to pay you?

if the other side requested it, then it is for their interests and not yours,
make requests that are in your best interest,

I hear ya guys, that's what my daughter said as well. However, I will be looking out for my interests. I worked for these guys for almost 20 years, I know how they think. Besides, I scored a point with the mediator, and that is in my advantage.

Big R

[Pop Skull]

Probably hoping that if they make the mediation process inconvenient enough, that you'll be less likely to follow through on your claim. Course, with the price of gasoline so high it does put a burden on someone who doesn't have income.

Seems pretty slimy to me.

[Coyote]

Point out to him that you no longer have a job and a 2.5 hours one way trip would be a huge
financial issue.

Now if the other party would be willing to fund the fuel, meals and motel ?????

[Braz]

Besides, I scored a point with the mediator, and that is in my advantage.

Never a bad thing.

[rgarry]

I hate to say it but you might want to lawyer up. I have seen mediations go 11 hrs and they can wear you down. They will likely have a lawyer. Don't get bullied. I know you are tough but consider this an away game.

[retlaw]

they are going to have a lawyer and the lawyer works in nashville and by you agreeing to go to nashvile which is 2.5 hours one way, 5 hours return, you just saved the company 1500 to 2000 bucks min. in lawyer fees alone,
they are already screwing you,

[Kiwikeg]

+1 on what Retlaw said, dont go in there alone!!!!
if you cant lawyer up at least take a support person your daughter or friend, pastor, brother, anyone at all they dont need to say nothing they will just even out the numbers and that will help stop them ganging up/bullying you into agreeing to settle for less.
But if they make a fair offer take it, walk away and dont look back.
Good Luck!

[rtalbigr]

Let the games begin. The mediator tried to set up a date the first week of April but the "other" party just couldn't make it so they proposed other dates in April. The people in the company should know that I don't play games and I'm not intimidated. So, I told them no. Pick a date in May and I'll see if I can make it.

Big R

[rgarry]

Don't forget delaying is part of their tactic. Longer it takes for a settlement the longer the cash is in their pocket. You need to get an idea of what theses cases settle for, figure out what you want and ask for a lot more than that.

[rtalbigr]

Finally did the mediation yesterday. Being just a working stiff you're kinda on your own, while the "Company" can bring in their big shot lawyer. Personally, I think lawyers are the bane of society: they have made everything so complex, and basically for their sole benefit.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I did get a financial settlement. It became apparent that some individuals within the company were lying through their teeth. I certainly didn't get what I wanted or felt that I deserved, but at least I got something, which to me is at least an admission of their guilt.

This entire experience has left me emotionally drained, and yes, somewhat depressed. In some respects I have lost some of my faith in mankind. I have always believed that hard work and professionalism should prevail as the ultimate standard. I have always known that it really isn't so, but I still have to believe.

Big R

[Frosteecat]

It's just the way of the world. I have seen too many good men get fired over politics and total a**holes climb ladders made from the bones of better men. Trust no one. My old man used to say "you gotta like the man you see in the mirror every morning". And he was right. I know that does you no financial good...but they are the words I live by.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck.

[rgarry]

Don't be down. Think of all your friends here. I value all my employees and go aboard for them and I hope they would do the same for me. You are one of the good ones and you will come out on top.

[retlaw]

I have lost some of my faith in mankind. Big R

don't get mankind confused with company prophit,
the corporation would sell your soul if they could make money off you,

and the evil of mankind comes from the contamination of corporate greed,
so many hide behind the corporate shield,

lawyers are part of a private club called the BAR,
British Attorney Registery,

who do you think they sworn an oath to?

hows the violin lessons coming along big R ?

[rtalbigr]

Well, I got the violin but I've had to put the lessons off. I need to tighten the belt for a while.

I know about corporate, lawyers and all that. When people who you work with lie, twist thing around for their own benefit, lie by omission, buddies covering for each other, etc, well,....

I talked to the company HR director today, they can't do a pay out w/o seven day wait period for me to think it over and see if I want to change my mind, so I had to call him and let him know. I have known and worked with this guy for many years; he actually apologized to me for what happened. He actually thanked me for being open and honest during the mediation, said it opened his eyes to some things he didn't know were going on and that he has started talking to some others about inequities w/in the company. I have good friends that still work there, so for them I hope some things can change. It just galls me that I am the sacrificial lamb.

All said and done I am enjoying my forced retirement. I really like the relaxed pace I have adopted. It is really nice not to have to get up at 5AM anymore. It's really nice to be able to say to myself, I don't want to to that today, maybe tomorrow. It's really nice to be able to get in the car or on my motorcycle and just go somewhere if I want. The best is the only BOSS I got now is me!

Big R