After 15 years it's over

I know what you're going through. It's a lonely feeling. Best of luck finding a rewarding job.

 

I would definitely have a lawyer write a letter on your behalf, demanding payment of the vacation time, and have that letter delivered tomorrow. Takes 15 minutes for the lawyer to write the letter. Don't sign anything until you have that money in hand.

The publisher doesn't want to pay you, but the lawyer really doesn't want to pay the company's lawyer to defend a lawsuit.

 

Very true.

It's just like if you don't take your vacation by the end of the year and the company won't let you roll it over. They still have to pay you for the vacation.

 

And they'll tell you that they don't. But they almost always do.

Like I said, it's part of the compensation package. But employment laws do vary from state to state, so there's no way to know for sure.

 

Sorry man. I know the feeling. Lost my job about a month ago but at least I got the six weeks vacation pay they owed me.

 

Highlander: You've been at your shop for the same amount of time I've been in the business. I feel bad for you and wish you and your family the best.

But seriously, as others have said, go after that vacation pay. You've earned it, and going broke or not, the company is obligated to give it to you. I don't care if it's Texas or not.

 

Talk to an attorney. Am sure in 15 years, you've met one or two who can help you -- if for no other reason than to shake the tree.

 

I just looked up employment attorney's in Fort Worth and shot three of them e-mails about my situation. See what will happen.

 

If you haven't signed anything to the contrary, you are free to make vile threats against them. Might not accomplish anything, but might make you feel better.

 

So sorry to hear this, Highlander... hang in there.

 

Got a text last night from one of the coaches I use to work with about something else. Told him I wouldn't be covering the team and that the only thing I'd miss about the job was working with the coaches and players but I wouldn't miss working for the company. Man it was great working there when you had leadership who actually understood the editorial side of things and not just advertising and the bottom line financially.

Our papers were once own by Harte-Hanks and then Scripps. Man those were the days. Problem was Scripps had no idea what to do with a group of community papers and sold them off. And the downfall began.

 

Sorry to hear Highlander. Go to Angelo's today.