Billings v. Director, Employment Security Department

Robert J. Gladwin, Judge.

Following its determination that a force reduction was necessary, Southwestern Bell began its internal informal surplus proceedings in which employees with the most seniority were offered the opportunity to sign up for a voluntary severance package (hereinafter, “VSP”). Appellants accepted the VSP and took a sum of money approximately equal to one year’s salary. They then filed claims for unemployment benefits. The Appeal Tribunal affirmed the Department’s determination that appellants were eligible for benefits. The Board of Review, however, reversed that decision…