Mississippi Employment Contracts Legal Questions

If you received a 1099 you were classified as an independent contractor, not an employee, althought you could challenge that so it is not a big obstacle.  However, absent a contract which limits an employer's right to fire an employer (for example, providing that an employee can only be fired for good cause), an employee can be fired for any reason not prohibited by statute (e.g. race, religion, gender, etc.)  So unless your contract limited the reasons why you could be fired, or unless you believe that you were discriminated against on the basis of your race, religion, etc, I don't think you have a valid claim.... Read Answer

You can refuse, and try to negotiate a better package, but it doesn't look to me as if you have much leverage.  What would be the basis of your suit?  Do you have an employment contract which is being breached?  Are you being discriminated against due to your age, race, religion, etc.?  Do you have claims for unpaid wages or unused accrued vacation time? Absent a contract which provides for it, you have no inherent right to severance pay.  Presumably the new company is willing to pay you severance in exchange for something (as well as maintaining a good relationship with its labor force.)  It may have agreed with the prior owners to provide severance.  It will certainly want your release of any claims you may have against your employer.  Based on your age (the same as mine), your new employer may be worried about an age discrimination claim.  Based on your question, however, in which that all employees, young and old, are being let go if they won't relocate, it doesn't seem to me that you have a very good claim.  ... Read Answer