1. Document Everything: Gather all relevant documentation related to your employment, such as your employment contract, offer letter, pay stubs, and any communication with Cooper Standard Automotive regarding severance pay.
2. Contact Cooper Standard Automotive: Reach out to Cooper Standard Automotive's human resources department or the payroll department and inquire about the status of your severance pay. Make sure to provide them with your employee ID, contact information, and the dates of your employment.
3. Refer to Your Employment Contract: Review your employment contract or any other relevant documents to understand the terms and conditions related to severance pay. Determine if your employment contract mentions any specific criteria that need to be met to receive severance pay.
4. File a Complaint with the Georgia Department of Labor: If Cooper Standard Automotive fails to provide you with severance pay within the stipulated time frame specified in your employment contract or Georgia state laws, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Department of Labor. The department will investigate your case and help ensure that you receive your rightful compensation.
5. Seek Legal Advice: If the issue remains unresolved, consider consulting an employment attorney who can guide you through the legal process and represent you if necessary. An attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate with Cooper Standard Automotive, or pursue legal action to recover your severance pay.
Remember, it's essential to keep accurate records and documentation throughout the process to support your claim for severance pay. Additionally, it may be beneficial to communicate in writing (via email or certified mail) with Cooper Standard Automotive to ensure there's a record of your correspondence.