[dfwgator]

Why would I hire somebody who is still beholden to their previous employer?

[a fool in paradise]

They probably put a 2 year NON-COMPETE clause in the severance agreement as well.

[Cboldt]

-- Why would I hire somebody who is still beholden to their previous employer? --

You wouldn't - although I get the impression these soon-to-be-ex employees are far from beholden to SunTrust.

The article, especially remarks provided by SunTrust, implies that calls are only made when the situation is litigation or akin to litigation, and that the workers probably wouldn't be called. Assuming that is accurate, the "not for pay" proviso is ham-handed.

The article doesn't describe the severance package as a whole. It might be generous to the extent that being available for say 5 hours in two years is a nothing-burger.

[firebrand]

Exactly. This can prevent them from taking other employment. Which could be what the original employer wants, so that no skills get transferred to a new company.