Laid off after 8+ years with a strange explanation.
Question Details: I have worked for a company in the northeast for 8+ years with no conduct or personnel problems to date. I was notified 2 weeks ago I was laid off. When asked why I as told that he only kept employees that would travel extended periods of time. I was never asked to travel either domestic or intl during my time there. Prople were kept on that had been there 6 months or less. I am 50 years old and a vet any options for me?
How many employees were laid off? What were their ages? Did someone replace you? If so, what was his or her age? If you were not replaced, but you had the same position as others, did they keep their jobs, and, if so, what are their ages? If you want to discuss, please call me at 617-426-7400
Generally, most employment relationships are what is known as "at will". This means that basically the employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever, as well has increase/decrease in salary/hours, promote/demote, and impose requirements as they see fit. In turn, you can work for an employer, or not, your choice.
The only exceptions to the above would be if there is a stated company policy covering this, or there is a union/employment agreement that governs, or this situation has arisen due to some type of discrimination.
In your case, age discrimination might well come into play. I agree that your termination does seem strange, especially considering that you were never asked if you would travel. What you need to do now is to contact the state with regard to this. Here is a link to a site that I think you will find to be of help: http://www.mass.gov/mcad/agefactsht.html
You may also want to contact an attorney that specializes in employment cases. The initial consultation would probably be free.
Best of luck.
