I've held a position for several years that was just materially changed into another position, including new title, new department, and new responsibilities. Basically, my old job was eliminated and I was non-voluntarily moved into another position which I don't want.

Other employees affected by these changes in the organization had the option to either apply for any open positions or accept being layed off and collect a severence.

I feel that I should have been told that my current position was being eliminated and offered the new position or a lay-off. I do not want to voluntarily quit and lose the severence and other benefits which come with being lay-off vs. voluntarily resigning...can I make the case that my job was in fact eliminated and that I should have been offered the new position and not forced into it...therefore I should be liable for the lay-off and severence.

Is there any legal basis for this?