In a recent interview on MSNBC, Shannon Liss-Riordan, a partner at Lichten & Liss-Riordan and an employment lawyer representing around 2,000 former Twitter employees, shared insights on the ongoing turmoil faced by federal workers amid significant changes in government employment policies. Her remarks come in light of recent buyout offers extended to federal employees, which bear a striking resemblance to the controversial practices employed by Elon Musk following his acquisition of Twitter.
Liss-Riordan detailed the plight of former Twitter employees, many of whom were promised generous severance packages upon their departure from the company, only to find those promises unfulfilled. This has led to a wave of individual arbitrations and class action lawsuits against Twitter, as employees seek to hold the company accountable for its commitments. “They were promised that if they lost their jobs after Musk took over, they would receive a certain amount of severance. And they didn’t receive it,” she explained, emphasizing the legal battles that have since ensued.
As federal agencies consider similar buyout offers, Liss-Riordan’s advice to employees is to carefully evaluate their personal situations. She acknowledged the difficulty in providing concrete guidance, given the unpredictability of the current political landscape and budgetary constraints. “It has been very difficult to give solid advice because no one knows exactly what’s going to happen,” she said, urging federal workers to weigh their options based on what is best for themselves and their families.
While some employees may find the prospect of an eight-month severance package appealing, Liss-Riordan cautioned against assuming that these promises would be honored. She noted that the current budgetary climate poses a significant risk to the fulfillment of such commitments. “It’s by no means assured that these employees are going to get what they’re being promised,” she warned, highlighting the potential for budget cuts that could impact severance payments.
For those under threat of termination, Liss-Riordan advised considering the buyout as a viable option, stressing that it may be more advantageous to secure a financial cushion than to risk being left without support during uncertain times. She pointed out that many former Twitter employees who opted to remain committed to the company found themselves unexpectedly terminated shortly thereafter, reinforcing the unpredictability of employment under current circumstances.
In her broader commentary, Liss-Riordan expressed concern over the potential loss of institutional knowledge and expertise that could result from widespread workforce reductions. She criticized the lack of foresight in executing such drastic cuts, cautioning that the ramifications could hinder the effective functioning of federal agencies. “We’re going to lose people with incredible expertise and experience,” she lamented, underscoring the need for careful consideration in any staffing decisions.
As the situation unfolds, Liss-Riordan remains committed to advocating for the rights of employees affected by these changes. Her insights serve as a crucial reminder for workers navigating this uncertain environment: the need for vigilance and informed decision-making has never been more critical. With so much at stake, both current and former employees are urged to stay informed and consider their options wisely in the face of significant upheaval in the workplace.
