Signing waivers at termination

[mac60]

I have a question on terminating an employee. When a company terminates employees due to downsizing, and offers employees a severence package, can the employer FORCE the employee to sign a waiver (if they don't sign the waiver they don't get severence package) stating that the employee will NOT consult with a lawyer concerning the termination OR NOT consult the media. I am wondering if this is legal and done with companies.

To me it doesn't seem quite right. Because if an employee feels that they have been let go wrongfully, then they should be able to check with a lawyer concerning the terminiation, to see if it was done fairly.

Also, apparently the waiver states that the employee can NEVER, at any time, even after the severance package is received, and the person is no longer employed, contact a lawyer or the media concerning the situation.

Just wondering if this is normal practice when companies downsize.

Thanks for any input on this.

[law_cast]

Yes, these were all normal business practice especially in reference to downsizing concerns. It is not legal, but merely normal. When conflicts will arise sooner that specific provision will be nullified as against public policy.