united-states contract-law employment new-york-state
Company wants me to sign a general release ASAP. I said no
<p>I got let go today but my company (based in NYC) still owes me money, about $12,000 after tax, roughly. Shortly after letting me go, the company asked me to sign a general release. This, in theory, would release them from having to pay me my salary. This seems to me to be an extremely morally suspect move. </p>

<p>Am I right in thinking this? How should I proceed? I am asking law friends to recommend some employment lawyers, but other than this, can I do anything else? I want to claim unemployment ASAP and start working elsewhere ASAP, but I obviously cannot afford to sign a general release and let go of my claim to unpaid salary. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Please let me know if there are any clarifying questions. </p>

<p>This is related to <a href="https://money.stackexchange.com/questions/108689/company-stopped-paying-my-salary-what-are-my-options">this question</a> on Personal Finance StackExchange and <a href="https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/40769/what-are-my-options-legally-if-nyc-company-is-not-paying-salary/40771#40771">this question</a> on Law StackExchange.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>How should I proceed? I am asking law friends to recommend some
  employment lawyers, but other than this, can I do anything else?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>You definitely don't need an employment lawyer for this. From a legal standpoint, the matter is very simple: If you grant their request (whether by signing or otherwise expressing your acceptance), you would be waiving any remedies currently available to you for <em>their</em> breach of contract.</p>

<p>The company's attempt to override its contract with you is quite naive, but the company can always (and evidently does) try to get away with its liability nonetheless. I would not be surprised if the company subsequently tries harder to intimidate you, but that does not change your legal position &amp; merits unless you sign the waiver the company is pursuing.</p>

<p>Asking for <a href="https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/40834/company-wants-me-to-sign-a-general-release-asap-i-said-no/40835#comment74887_40834">your post-termination availability</a> reinforces the notion of company's poor planning and subpar management.</p>
