Story 295
After 20+ years at Citi, I was subjected to an HR investigation earlier this year and terminated without severance for a petty offense. In my view, this is a well-established tactic used by the company to avoid its financial obligations to long-serving employees. After hiring an attorney to review my case, I was told that Citi’s legal strategy was highly aggressive and seemed designed to pressure employees into abandoning their claims rather than pursuing them.
Very little remains a secret within the organization, and there are persistent rumors that a major U.S. publication has heard recordings of HR partners allegedly advising business leaders to identify minor or technical violations as grounds for termination so that severance does not have to be paid. But they have been pressured by the company not to pursue the story due to close ties to a board member.
I recognize that no immediate action will be taken given Citi’s significant influence and relationships in Washington. Nevertheless, if these allegations are true, such practices are both unethical and unlawful.
After dedicating two+ decades of my professional life to Citi, it is deeply upsetting to reflect on how my employment ended.
I truly believe that, in the fullness of time, the company will be held accountable for the way it has treated many of its employees’ one way or another.