Possible HR paperwork

This past posting by Mr. Sunbeam should be helpful in preparing potential buyout takers who are contacted by human resources in the next few days. The same caveats would apply; this is for informational purposes, not legal consultation.

When buyout-takers receiving your confirmation info today, you may be asked to sign a release agreement as a condition of receiving severance.

The release agreement specifies four federal and one state law that govern employment discrimination. It also states that you agree to waive "any and all" claims under other state, federal and local employment laws.

This waiver is NOT intended to relieve you of your legal rights under the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). The company decided not to offer the 45-day waiting period that would have been mandatory had you been asked to waive rights under ADEA.

For further information, consult an expert. Mr. Sunbeam is a journalist who reads the occasional law. This is NOT an official statement, and HR was not consulted. No advice is being offered about whether to sign the release. There is also no suggestion of wrongdoing or bad faith.