Four people in my department were just given involuntary…

I am sorry to hear that. For me to make an assessment whether that is within the range of an appropriate package, can you tell me how long you worked for the company, what your last position was, and what kind of company it was?

Understood. You received roughly 14 weeks of severance pay. This is potentially under the amount that you should have received based on two facts: 1. you are 55 and finding a job will be more difficult at that age, and 2. there is currently a downturn in the oil industry where you are which makes finding a job that much more difficult. I believe that you are probably entitled to a larger retirement package than what you were offered.

In addition, it is illegal in Alberta to discriminate based on age. Age is specifically identified as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Your employer could be liable for fines, remedial action, as well as additional compensation to you for your losses.

Pardon me, you are right. I meant to say months. Sorry for the mix up.

Potentially that is true, but I would revise my opinion to say that it is a significant retirement package. And if you were to get involved in legal proceedings with your employer, the costs of hiring a lawyer may eat up any potential gains you would get by negotiating another package.

You sound like a very valuable employee.

Still, you may be potentially entitled to a larger package. For example, I am aware of senior employees who were wrongfully dismissed in situations like yours who have earned 20-24 months severance.

Typically a lawyer would charge a 25-35% contingency fee, but it would depend on the exact issues in your case. I think it is worth speaking with an employment law lawyer near you about this issue.

Different lawyers will charge different fees and I encourage you to speak to a few. Since I don't know your exact market, I can't say what kind of fee they would charge exactly, but 50% is excessive.

I just wanted to check something with you to be clear - you don't need to prove discrimination in order to make your claim. An employer cannot force an employee to retire. This is wrongful dismissal.