Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

Surplus vs FMLA/LoA

Serious responses only please

All, my family in a different state (non hub/a 3h flight away from closest hub) needs my help. I’ll need to be there for regular medical appointments and to help them at home. I’m retirement eligible but way too young to retire. I have young kids & spouse who doesn’t work but supports the home/kids/their activities. I think I can get another job & I’m somewhat prepared. But now when I’m actually in this situation & having to decide if I should quit to support my family, it seems daunting. They’ll need my help for about 4-5 months. I could start looking for work after that. I have just enough buffer to last that time.

Should I take FMLA? Unpaid LoA? Does ageism exist i.e. would it better to try to stay?

If asking for be on surplus, is it too late for the rumored Sept date? Shd I ask for Dec?
To make matters worse, my immediate supervisor was surplussed this last round. They’re still trying to find a spot for me & our team. Currently reporting to a “leader” who is at best unhelpful & at worst goes out of his way to kick people when they’re down, publicly. Should I go to the VP (who doesn’t know me at all) to ask to be surplused? My temp supervisor will highlight the worst option instead of being sympathetic or helpful. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.


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| 82 views | | 15 replies (last 11 days ago) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1m01b3py4

15 replies (most recent on top)

@a4 family care leave of absence is non discretionary and does not require BU approval. Provide the the 50308 form completed by the family member’s healthcare provider and it will be approved by a Universal Leave Examiner in HR OneStop

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Post ID: @10p+1m01b3py4

@h4 the only third party used is Sedgwick for administration of short-term disability and worker’s compensation claims.

Since OP needs to potentially care for a family member, short-term disability does NOT apply.

He could take a family care leave of absence (depending on duration) or use FMLA, neither paid but would protect his job. Alternatively, paid caregiver could be used but is IS subject to needs to the business and should be discussed with the supervisor before being taken.

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Post ID: @10n+1m01b3py4

Your never too young to retire.

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Post ID: @p0+1m01b3py4

Take your Care Giver Days off before you do anything. That is two weeks of paid time off. Be sure you use all of it before you leave the company. Then start using your vacation. However, ATT will compensate you for unused vacation but not the Care Giver Days. I would ask for WFH and if it is denied, then ask for paid surplus. If they deny both, take the CGDO and turn in you badge on the day you come back. If they do not work with you on this then ATT does not deserve the knowledge transfer opportunity.

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Post ID: @ne+1m01b3py4

Go talk to your VP they are people too. The Sept surplus list was already submitted. The next one will be in Oct and maybe November. Ask to be added to that list.
Remember!!! Severance money is taxed and does not come right away.

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Post ID: @jj+1m01b3py4

In my experience, people who say they are the only one who can help are discounting other family member’s ability to assist. What would they do if you couldn’t do it? Medicare offers rides to doc visits. Also, you can set up an Uber for anyone anywhere. Paid home health aides? How about using Caregiver days for long weekends. Friday and Monday off twice a month is 4 months right there. Cleaning crew once a week.

Let other family members help. They might not be as perfect as you, but so be it.

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Post ID: @ja+1m01b3py4

Maybe give a call to HR sickleave experts. They are third party company. In this case, you shouldn’t ask layoffs by yourself.there are care leave, pro, unpaid leave, etc.

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Post ID: @h4+1m01b3py4

Ageism is real

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Post ID: @e0+1m01b3py4

Take a wire tech job close to home unless you’re afraid to get your hands dirty. Or you can be broke, your choice..

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Post ID: @cx+1m01b3py4

FYI FMLA runs concurrently with any sick leave. They deduct both at the same time. It's BS.

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Post ID: @cn+1m01b3py4

All for pointless RTO ruining lives.

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Post ID: @c5+1m01b3py4

Family first. Take the laptop and work from the destination after using any FLMA and caregiver if you choose that. It will take them months to get around to firing you and you may get laid off instead. It might be worth calling an employment lawyer and seeing how you might navigate FMLA vs remote work to avoid unlawful termination. If they fire you for working remote to support sick family I would call the local news and tell them all about it or post it all on tiktok.

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Post ID: @ba+1m01b3py4

Can you use some hours/days of paid care giver pto and then your regularly earned pto to stretch your time on payroll, then pivot to FMLA

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Post ID: @ab+1m01b3py4

Take care of your family. Hello! You think ATT gives a rats a-s about what you are going through and will help. Think again

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Post ID: @aa+1m01b3py4

It sounds like you're in management.

If you've logged 1250 hours with the company then you're eligible for unpaid 12 weeks of FMLA which is a protected leave. It'll require a medical professional to sign off on the forms.

After using FMLA you can request unpaid LoA. If you have an absentee "leader" then good luck getting that approval. I'd also put in a request to be suplused. If your supervisor doesn't respond I'd go above him/her.

You need to decide if being there to support your family is more important than going to a hub. Since you're MR75 eligible I hope you've been financially wise and have a nice nest egg for this type of shituation.

Good luck.

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Post ID: @a4+1m01b3py4

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