Work Visas and The Guild – A Perspective

by Vineet Khosla

Some of you have let us know you are being promised “visa protections” from the union.

As a fellow immigrant who has been through this grind, I know how difficult this can be and how important it is to feel like you have the support you need. 

I don’t know precisely what the union has been telling people, but I do know that unions often make promises during campaigns that they can secure certain benefits or enhancements for employees.  But the fact is, unions have to negotiate those things with employers, and the employer does not have to agree to any terms or changes it does not think are good for the Company or employees.

We are proud of our record when it comes to helping our employees secure work visas and permanent residence status.  We’re also proud of our track record of doing the right thing for our employees, even during difficult moments.

Last year when we did layoffs on the Arc XP team, we initially set the program up to pay the separation payment in a lump sum, which meant employees would come off the payroll in approximately sixty days. When we realized this had a negative impact on employees on work visas, who benefitted from continued employment, we modified our program and provided all departing employees with the option of staying on payroll for their entire severance period instead of receiving a lump sum. Matt Monahan and I worked with HR to implement this change because it was the right thing to do.

I personally went through the harrowing experience of losing my H1-B job in the recession in 2008 and had 15 days (compared to 60 days right now)to find new employment, else my 7 years of studies in the US would have not saved me from being out of status. I had to become an immigration expert in a real hurry and chart my own course. I lean on my lived experience to help make the Washington Post immigration process better for all.

We have a consistent track record of working with our employees to assist them in all elements of the immigration process. I hope you remember this when you make your decision.