Here
are the PAST Salary Comments
from IBM employees:
Comment
2/25/10:
Salary = 650000
#Yrs Since Raise = 2009
%Raise = 10
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Tech Lead
Years Service = 6.5
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = IT
Location = chennai
Message = Want to know the highest salary in band 7 -Mr. x-
Comment
2/24/10:
Salary = 72,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 4
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = Senior consultant however pdf 4)
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = 55
Div Name = GBS
Location = NYC
Message = PBC rankings of 1 the past 2 years. received a modest 4% raise last
year due to the "economy". Not sure what to expect this year?
-Anonymous-
Comment
2/18/10:
Salary = 98,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 10
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Senior Consultant
Years Service = 6.5
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = GBS
Location = Atlanta, (working in NYC past 2+ yrs)
Message = Have never broken the 1 PBC barrier. Always received 1+ ratings
on PAs, and usually 2-3 memo files per yr from clients...utilization is what
"gets" me on PBC. My best year saw excellent PAs , 2 memos to file
from client and 102% billable utilization but only resulted in a 2+ because
some peers were in the 120+% range. Recent reorg moved me from FS - BPM practice
to the ERP space. Most of the band 9 and 10 of "old" BPM went to
S&C practice mid 2009. Not sure why I went to ERP and not S&C. Guess
I don't have "what it takes". My "old" PBC goals did not
align with "new" practice so once again....utilization kept me down
this year to a 2. I have been with same client multi. yrs and active in winning
new business (3 extensions and a new proposal for 13 million) but our contracts
are capped at 40hrs per week so there is little chance of exceeding 90-93%
utilization. Can't "compete" with other peers in new group who somehow
stay consistently in 99-120% range for billable utilization?? Chargeable utilization
was not considered in last PBC rating but I still exceeded target range. 10%
raise in 2008 was due to moving from band 7 to band 8. Usually receive 3-4K
per year in "service ecellent awards"...but nothing in 2009 despite
similar performance ratings. My bill rates the past 2 years have been in the
225 to 250 per hour. Next proposal has bill rate of 261 per hour. ( 90% certain
this contract will materialize). My Internal cost to IBM seems low in relation
to billrate. I guess I am a "loss leader", in terms of being staffed
at this rate. New role in ERP practice will require some "retooling"
on my part. As of now requests for formal training (i.e. costs IBM $$) have
not been going well. My old peers who went to S&C have seen increases
in salaries this year. I guess the best example of how IBM treats its employees
came 2 weeks ago when I received a "Thank You" award from a project
manager on another project for "going above and beyond" in providing
assistance with an RFP materials. I went to the IBM site to claim the Award
and the program had been cancelledas of Feb 01. I could still claim an Award...so
I went to browse the selections and there was a nice note informing that they
would not be restocking items. The only thing left to choose from was a pink
yoga mat. I understand cutting costs and saving $$..times are hard out there.
I just thought it was funny. But it was indicative of how IBM views its people.
As I try to realign my career goals now that I am in a new practice, I am
having some time to think about what a "career" with IBM really
means and I find myself coming up short. The past 6 years I have been exposed
to many things and added many new skills to my tool-box; both from a business
perspective and a technology perspective. However, lately I find myself in
the precarious position of being in a "mile wide and an inch deep".
I suppose this is partly the result of being on many different projects and
the various skills required in those projects. I also think it has to do with
the fact that when I am on a particular engagement I focus all attention to
satisfying the client...and not so much on my career aspirations. I guess
I am old school and believed that hard work and dedication to client satisfaction
should be the number one goal for any IBM employee..do these things and IBM
will take care of me; I thought. As I reveiwed the WWGPE model for our last
proposal and saw the internal costs offshoring the work and the internal costs
of bringing H1-B visa employees to the US to staff the work here I was literally
amazed and somewhat shocked. The resources weren't just technology folks they
were also business/ functional. IBM embarked on a program a couple of years
back to bolster hiring of MBA's in other low cost countries ( mainly India).
I always thought this was to support the growing service center presence in
those countries. Since I am not a pure technical resource, I suppose I never
really paid that much attention to all of the offshoring IBM has been doing
over the past several years and how much the US employee count has declined
vs how much it has grown offshore. The reorg I experienced last year also
made a little more sense to me. All the bands 9-10 went to senior positions
in S&C and the majority of lesser bands that were not the victims of the
RA process last year went...well...elsewhere. I finally realized the direction
the company is heading and "my place" in the IBM of the future.
The band 9&10 types here in the US will be the "face men" of
GBS with our clients here in the US and all other staff needed to support
the work they sell will be offshored (internally that is). From an internal
cost perspective...why would IBM keep resources that bill at 260 hour and
cost 120-13- hour when they can staff with resources that have bill rates
of 75-100 hour with internal costs of 20-30 hour (if that). Anyway...I guess
I am just a little slow. Maybe I should focus less on client satisfaction
and spend more time actuall observing what is going on around me within IBM.
It is too bad an employee can't feel somewhat secure with their employer these
days...if they make their clients happy of course. IBM has led the charge
in the past decade on the "offshoring" model as a cost cutting and
selling tool with its clients. I suppose as an employee involved in delivering
those solutions; I should have also realized IBM is no different than the
clients we serve...they want to make higher returns as well and to lower our
own costs of business. I suppose I have been complicit in my own demise so
to speak and will soon become a victim myself as IBM internally offshores
more of its cost basis to its "Global Delivery" services. I guess
this is what is called reaping what you sow. Anyway, glad I found the site.
It is refreshing to find out about other peer salaries and PBC experiences
within IBM. --
Comment
2/16/10:
Salary = $38,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
This Yr-PBC = 2010
Job Title = Application Developer
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 45
Location = Fairmont, WV
Message = Curious -John Doe-
Comment
2/16/10:
Salary = $110,000
#Yrs Since Raise = n/a
%Raise = n/a
Band Level = was 8
This Yr-PBC = was 3
Job Title = Out of IBM and loving it... :)
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = was 50 to 60 +
Div Name = was STG
Location = was Pok
Message = IBM wants to depend less on widget making (raw engineering prowess
+ manfacturing costs) and depend more on consultant brain power (because consultant
brain power costs less than buidling a widget, even if the consultant gets
paid more), like Booze Allen, Ernst & Young, etc. I think they bought
a part of Price Waters Coopers consulting business to get a foot in the door.
There's $$$ in that consulting world. -Anon-
Comment
2/15/10:
Salary = 94000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 6
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = Program Mgr
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 65
Message = hi -Jimmy-
Comment
2/12/10:
Record
IBM profits does not equal better variable pay. -Sam's_theorem-
Comment
2/11/10:
So why are GBS Strategy&Change group so
special salary-wise when other more typical band 7's make in the 60K's-70'K's
and band 8's make 80K's-90K's in IBM? More band 7 and band 8's have seen their
salary cut by IBM by various means. It also was said that GBS S&C often
do the same job as other lower paid staff. So how do you S&C folks survive
the RA's in GBS without a union? Is GBS S&C part of IBM CHQ? Were S&C
part of an IBM acquistion? Can you ever get promoted to a band 9 or are you
stratified now based on your higher salary? Well, it's great you make such
a high salary in this IBM. Hope you can keep it! -curiou$lyconfu$ed-
Comment
2/10/10:
Div Name = SWG
Message = Variable pay to be funded at 85% according to the message in an
All-Hand meeting today. "Better than a 15% pay cut" was the salve
provided to take the sting out. -NotInIndia-
Comment
2/10/10:
-joe- There are more PBC 2's (that
were 2+'s before this cycle) and also more PBC 3's so the variable payout
is invariably going to be, of course, lower. Why would IBM increase the GDP
pot for the employee when IBM can cheap it out? The only way the employee
can expect a better payout is to collectively bargain with IBM. You need a
union and a contract for that to happen.
-da_facts-
Comment
2/09/10:
Salary = 150000+
Band Level = 8
Div Name = GBS S&C
Message = Responding to comments to anon from 12/26...125K is completely accurate
for a b7 in that position. -another_anon-
Comment
2/05/10:
Salary = 70,000 base 102,000 with OT
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 5
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Sr Eng. Specialist
Years Service = 28
Hours/Week = 50+
Location = East Coast
Message = Limited staffing with little depth. Over time hours to cover the
missing RA's positions. No lie. -Old Guy-
Comment
2/04/10:
Salary = USD 65000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 10
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = ISSR
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = Eastern Europe
Message = I was supposed to get promoted to band 8 in the beginning of 2009
but was denied at region level because of the crisis. I should have gotten
a PBC rating of 2+ but was told that it is not possible because they are not
allowed to give high rankings due to unachieved targets. Not sure if it is
true or not but actually I am not on the sales bonus plan and my achievement
was almost 200%. Go figure.
-algorab-
Comment
2/02/10:
any
word on variable pay this year in u.s.? -joe-
Comment
1/28/10:
South
Africa FA, hey man, don't leave the company, stay onboard and do as little
as possible to get by. Give back what they gave you. Nothing. Milk the pig,
it's fun and you will be so much happier. -Oinkman-
Comment
1/26/10:
Salary = 18000
#Yrs Since Raise = 3
%Raise = 4
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 3
Job Title = Financial Analyst
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = GTS
Location = South Africa
Message = completely unacceptable. Just got my review, cannot believe this.
No justification given as to why I was made a 3. The only reason provided
was because the company has to keep ratings low so they dont have to splash
out big increases to many employees. I will def be looking elsewhere. Dont
understand how this has taken me 5yrs to realize
-Anonymous-
Comment
1/22/10:
Salary = Not even worth mentioning
#Yrs Since Raise = 10
Band Level = 3
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 13+
Message = Any IBMers gone past 10+ years and no base increase? Any IBMers
making 3-4k a yr less then new hires? -Alone in this world, Heartbroken
and buffing resume-
Comment
1/22/10: "At
this point I'm just going through the motions and am looking for other options.
There is no real growth at IBM."
All the more reason to join the Alliance to try to do something about
it while working in IBM. A collective bargaining agreement can help get regular
raises and promotions ("steps"). Wouldn't it be nice to take a test
to promote yourself from band 6 to band 7 based on your real skills, talent?
-anonymous-
Comment
1/21/10:
Salary = over 60K
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = SWE
Years Service = 3.5
Hours/Week = ~40
Location = USA
Message = I've gotten one raise in 3.5 years or service. Since IBM no longer
covers internet expenses for work at home employees my "raise" equates
to about an extra tank of gas in my car per month. When they stop covering
home business lines my raise will be $0. Since I've been employed, my managers
have told me I make too much money based on my market value (BS). So the only
real raises I can get are through promotions. I'm still stuck at the same
band I was when I started. Last year they said next year. Now they're saying
maybe not this year. At this point I'm just going through the motions and
am looking for other options. There is no real growth at IBM.
-anonymous-
Comment
1/20/10:
Salary = 65,000 US Dollars
#Yrs Since Raise = 1 Yrs
%Raise = 4%
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = SWE
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = 40
Location = East Coast
Message = Enjoy the company challenges it provides and easy workplace
-Secret-
Comment
1/20/10:
Salary = 0
#Yrs Since Raise = >5
%Raise = -100
Band Level = was 7
This Yr-PBC = NA
Job Title = was I/T Specialist
Years Service = plenty
Hours/Week = too many
Div Name = kept changing
Location = Unemploymentville
Message = RA'ed in 2009.-2009victim-
Comment
1/18/10:
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = FTSS
Location = UK
Message = Meet the 2010 Technical Sales "Incentive" Plan, basically
the same as the 2009 plan which was universally condemned, including the VP
of Technical Sales in the UK. Another example of screwing the workers out
there delivering the results. -anonymous-
Comment
1/16/10: IBM
USA employees beware. IBM UK started the Employee Salary Programme (ESP) last
year and is only rewarding the TOP performers. So the handwriting could be
on the wall for the change to the IBM USA salary program and the Growth Driven
Pay (GDP) perhaps? PBC 2+ supposedly got raises last year. Will IBM still
reward the PBC 2's (PBC 2 or 2+) employees this time around? -anonymous-
Comment
1/14/10:
Salary = €33300 $48,335
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.5
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Development Support engineer
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = 37.5
Div Name = Information management
Location = Ireland
Message = I started in manufacturing and then IBM bought the company I worked
for. I was then able to move into a more technical role that paid €25k
after 9 months because my salary was behind others and I switched roles again
manager was able to secure increase above normal for me. Not sure what to
expect this year, salary went up 1.5% last Jan with no explanation.. Even
manager was confused as to why! -Anonymous-
Comment
1/07/10: As far as banding, Remember.
Under U.S. law domestic pigeons all have to be banded. Pigeons of IBM unite!
Get a contract for fair treatment -Exodus2007-
Comment
1/07/10:
Salary = 38K (alleged 38-42K p/a)
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 3
This Yr-PBC = tba?
Job Title = CSC
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Australia
Message = Interesting to consider that ratings are based on management getting
together over a game of 'let's play with money' to decide who are the 'top'
contributors... would be even more interesting to know why such huge 'profits'
don't equate to equality for the masses! Not holding much hope for this year's
rating & subsequent paysheet... -Lowly Worker Bee-
Comment
1/04/10: -Curious R2I- Why
do you u want to work for cheap a$$ IBM? I would take your System Admin skills
to a better company! IBM doesn't value it's workers anywhere. It doesn't pay
well either no matter what the band. I predict as soon as the standard of
living for IT workers in India improves then IBM will RA Indians by the thousands
so they can do business in the next cheap labor market (some country in Africa
(?) yet to be determined). -anonymous-
Comment
1/02/10: I have 8 years of experience
in System Administration. Which Band Level can I expect if I join IBM India.
What would be the salary package range ? Can I get 12 Lacs per annum (INR)?
-Curious R2I-
Comment
12/29/09: -Anon- If this is
what you are being paid as a B7 or B8 I suggest you enjoy the ride for now
and sock the $$$ away for as long as you can on your IBM "magic carpet
ride". IBM will soon hire S&C Consultant folks from China or some
other cheap as %$#@ BRIC as soon as they can and your job will be outsourced
for sure!!! You can bank on it. Sorry to be blunt but it's the truth that
will hurt. -grim_reaper-
Comment
12/28/09:
Salary = 82000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 10
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Architect
Location = UK
Message = Market rate is a scandal - IBM never pays it to 95% of the staff.
-Poorman-
Comment
12/28/09: -Anon-
125000 in what currency? If it is in USA dollars that seems
way out of whack for a band 7 even with more money S&C folks might get.
-S&Ced-
Comment
12/26/09:
Salary = 125000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Senior Consultant - S&C
Hours/Week = 65
Div Name = 5
Location = Anon
Message = Strategy and Change consultants make 15% or more on average than
others. B7 is 120 to 130 while B8 is 130 to 150k. Oftentimes, we do the same
job as lower paid GBS staff. -Anon-
Comment
12/23/09: @ -UK Ibmer- You aren't totally
correct. Those 'market competitive salaries' ARE paid.. but only to the grads
in foundation to try and sucker them in. Then, as you have found, salary increases
are tiny. -Another UK-
Comment
12/16/09:
Salary = €30800 / $50000
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = Advisory sales operations
Years Service = 4
Location = UK
Message = I started in IBM on €25k and have had 2 band promotions since
then - understand from my manager that my salary is at 50-60% market salary...
and interestingly he said that virtually no one will ever get to 100% (or
close) .. which makes a mockery of having 'market competitive salaries'!
-UK Ibmer-
Comment
12/13/09:
Salary = zero
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 5
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = none
Years Service = over 25
Hours/Week = unmeasurable
Message = @ anonymous poster from Dec 3 2009:£68000 is a very good salary
for a band 8 / 9. Enjoy it while you have it. Since you are not in the states,
you can expect to enjoy it for a while longer. While alliance asks your country,
that you stated your salary in pounds suggests that you are somewhere in the
UK. That correct? -no one/ex ibm employee-
Alliance reply: Incidentally, £68000 to dollars
it equals 110,862USD according to the currency calculator link above.
Comment
12/03/09:
Salary = £68000
Message = does anyone have the published salary bands for someone in the consultant
family in IBM .. particularly bands 8 & 9 -Anonymous-
Alliance Reply: What country are you located in?
It's possible they may vary from country to country.
Comment
11/24/09:
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Specialist
Div Name = STG UK
Location = UK
Message = Management are currently handing out 3Q's technical "bonus"
plan payments. STG UK was, so we were told, the #1 STG business unit worldwide.
The "reward" for this achivement is a bonus payment which does not
even get me back to reference salary. Do I feel motivated heading in to the
last month of IBM's 4Q? What do you think? -STGUK-
Comment
11/23/09: Thanks SteelBlue,
While I imagine that your posting is 'accurate', I would ask how the India
salary you cite corresponds to the salary of an equivalent employee in North
America and (Western) Europe. To me, a salary of over $12,000 USD sounds VERY
generous for a country where housing costs - what - a dollar a day? I wish
I were dead, nothing to do with India. -Thanks SteelBlue-
Alliance Reply: You're missing the point. IBM India workers are still being
exploited, because the money they save IBM, is in USD; Thereby making IBM
executives very wealthy. Your point would be relevant, if the IBM executives
left Armonk; worked (and were paid in Rupees) and lived in Bombay or Bangalore
......but they don't.
Comment
11/22/09: -Yo-
You'll probably never get a raise from now on based on your
band 6 salary. You can also forget getting a promotion to maybe get a measly
raise since you are a PBC 2. IBM would sure like you to leave before 5 years.
Their door to leave is always open. -da_facts-
Comment
11/19/09:
Salary = 69000
#Yrs Since Raise = 3.75
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Software Developer
Years Service = 4.5
Hours/Week = 40
Message = Only salary increase was end of probation in spring 2006. Going
toward 4th year with same salary. Always got PBC 2 rating, with higher that
average or average comment. Getting bigger and bigger work items and more
responsabilities including training newer employees. And inflation has been
higher than 0% in the last 4 years... Will start looking for a better job
from January. Discussing it with manager didn't end up with anything. Unless
thing change radically, I will have to leave a job, even though I do like
the technical side of it. -Yo-
Comment
11/08/09:
Salary = 600000 Rupees ($12864.30)
Location=Bombay
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 6b
Message = hi -Anonymous-
Comment 11/08/09:
Salary = 53K
#Yrs Since Raise = 3
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 3
Years Service = 11
Message = Was given a 3 PBC and pushed out the door in an RA in 2009. Had
the -15% reclassification in 2008 and figured out that I would never be pushed
up to band 8. After years of little or no pay increases, the reduction was
the end. The absolute best that you can hope for in IBM is that your job will
still be there for you tomorrow. That's not a career path to hold onto…
-Joe-
Comment 10/28/09:
-Yoda's-Kin-, hah, your working 40 hours, you're getting screwed
-Under40ForSammy-
Comment 10/27/09:
I was a PBC 2+ and got no raise and the reason was I was on the RA list in
March despite being on IBM STD. I was promptly RA'ed when I returned to work
in August. The reason HR gave me was since I was RA'ed I was entitled to no
raise BUT if I was able to land another IBM assignment in my 30 days (which
I wasn't able to) I would then be entitled to a raise. -sby_willie-
Comment 10/27/09:
Salary = 62,250
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.9
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = BTE
Location = Boulder
Message = I stopped hammering out 47 hours a week, now I only put in 40 hours
and stop. It was hard to do at first, but it sure feels nice to work a normal
schedule. -Yoda's-Kin-
Comment 10/25/09:
-Another Unemployed IBMer- "...I wish the Government would seriously
investigate IBM HR!"
IBM HR for USA employees is largely based out of the Phillipines now
from what I heard so I doubt it will ever be investigated. -anonymous-
Comment 10/25/09:
"I have been in the IBM for 1.5 years. I haven't had a salary raise
yet. I wonder whether that means I haven't done a good job. I would like to
know whether it is normal for someone who does not get a salary raise in every
year."
Welcome to "growing up in this IBM" :) Yes, your pay treatment
is more than normal. Have you talked to your manager yet? Well, maybe you
might not like what you hear... Doesn't matter what job you do in IBM since
it doesn't really equate to pay anymore. Your just a billable work widget
that fits a budget. Consider yourself "lucky" they are paying you
anything at this point! More and more folks, young and old, don't get raises
anymore. Some even get pay cuts (like -15%) despite their great performance.
And as for promotions... don't hold your breath: you'll surely turn IBM blue
and pass out. If you want to do something about your pay then get a union
contract where the Alliance can collectively bargain with IBM for it on your
behalf. -da_facts-
Comment 10/24/09:
Salary = 65,000
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 3
Job Title = consultant
Years Service = 1.5
Hours/Week = 44
Div Name = GBS
Location = MD
Message = I have been in the IBM for 1.5 years. I haven't had a salary raise
yet. I wonder whether that means I haven't done a good job. I would like to
know whether it is normal for someone who does not get a salary raise in every
year. -Anonymous-
Comment 10/20/09:
Job Title = Problem Manager
Years Service = 5
Div Name = IGS
Message = I worked for a department that had 8 employees doing the same EXACT
work spread over different shifts and some of us were exempt (Levels 6&
7) and others were not (Level 4). I was exempt and felt guilty that I made
more than others doing exactly what I did and who had been with IBM longer
than me. Complaints were files with HR by one employee at least and nothing
happened. The shame of it is that the manager was a good guy who wanted to
do the right thing and make us all 6's but couldn't because of budget limits.
HR was a joke, they were ***ZERO*** help. Because this is really a matter
of violations of DOL LAW and because IBM HR could see the paychecks and the
complaints yet did nothing to force upper management to correct the salaries
I wish the Government would seriously investigate IBM HR! -Another
Unemployed IBMer-
Comment 10/18/09:
There is some useful IBM India (or US or elsewhere) salary information at
glassdoor.com. You sign up (free) and give your salary info. You then have
access to all the posted salaries which include companies other than IBM.
Great for comparison! An IBM Software Engineer at Bangalore gets an average
salary of 585000 Rupees which equals approximately $12,662 US Dollars. Our
Indian colleagues should check out glassdoor and see how the same US IBM job
compares....and see how they're being exploited.
http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/IBM-India-Salaries-E38564.htm -SteelBlue-
Comment 10/18/09:
Salary = 90K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 4
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = project mgr
Years Service = 27
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = ITD
Location = CT/NY
Message = Received level a few years ago, at lowest salary for band. Its a
matter of time until job get RA'd -blue at IBM-
Comment 10/10/09:
It would be good to see salary/band structures.. but trying to get to see
the one for your own country is impossible. I've asked but was told the info
was confidential, and that it wouldn't be any use anyway as the levels overlap
so much - upper limit of 7 salary is higher than lower limit of 8 etc. I was
told though that my salary is below the lower limit for my band, yet I wouldn't
get a pay bump as it was 'too much of an increase' However.. if you search
w3 you can get a very detailed description of how the asia-pacific banding
structure - and sub bands - work, along with the relevant experience and expectations
(no salary info though) from band 1 to band 7b (above that, you hit manager
level). It is enough to make a comparison to other geographies.
-no-one-
Comment 10/09/09:
-KRG- Not sure if band 7B is comparable to a band 6 or 7 in the USA.
Say if it was comparable then the offer you got I would say is roughly at
least half or less of what someone in the USA would get in this current global
economy for this IBM job. I believe that all IBMers should be paid equitably
and the same as others in IBM doing the same job, regardless of where they
are located. It's a global world isn't it? So pay should be global as well!
-payfair-
Alliance Reply: We totally
agree. It would be nice to think that someone would be able to actually post
the band level/salary structure that is used for other countries, so we could
make a comparison and realize how badly the IBM employees in Brazil, Russia,
India, China, The Philippines, and Vietnam (to name a few) are compensated
for the work they do. It is a "global world" after all, and requires
a global union to protect workers from abuse by companies like IBM. We need
more comment posters , like KRG, to help determine this.
Comment 10/05/09:
Salary = Indian Rs 1,500,000
Band Level = 7B
Job Title = Market Manager
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 40 Expected
Div Name = S&D
Location = India
Message = I have an offer.. is this fair in india, what does some one in the
US make at these levels? -KRG-
Alliance Reply: Your salary in USD is $31,415.50.
A visitor to this comments section, in that same or equvilant job code; needs
to respond regarding what is a 'fair' salary. I'd guess that it would be significantly
more money for an IBM "Marketing Manager" in the US. This is a big
reason why IBM has moved so many US jobs to your country....cheaper labor.
I also don't think it's fair to you or any of your country's workers. What
are the laws in India regarding labor unions?
Comment 09/25/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = More than they deserve
Div Name = STG
Location = EMEA
Message = Just received commission statement for 1H technical incentive bonus
plan. What a joke. Based on actual stated targets and splits in the offer
letter, if we had been on the plan from 2007, I would have got 65% of commissionable
earnings, on the 2008 plan I would have got 50% of commissionable earnings.
Actually received 15% of commissionable earning. No better evidence of senior
execs driving down salaries. Disgusting. -P Doff-
Comment 09/21/09:
Salary = 80k CDN
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.2%
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Advisory Tech
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = Slave Services
Location = Toronto
Message = Was told by my Manager that I should be pleased with my raise since
it is more than what my colleagues got!!!!
And it includes an adjustment since we won't get O.T paid anymore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a s*** company ibm is to work for. I have no problem telling all my clients
this. -Diverseone-
Comment 09/12/09:
-AnnoyedUK- Same thing in the USA. They
up the starting salary for graduates to try to be "competitive".
Believe me if they could pay graduates next to nothing they would. It's clear
IBM doesn't want anyone to stay long. They don't want anyone to get any vested
rights or benefits past employment in IBM. -GradUrate-
Comment 09/12/09:
Salary = Less than a graduate
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 1
Years Service = 9
Div Name = GBS
Location = UK
Message = -Anonymous- : It's disgraceful the way they inflate grad
salaries while the rest of us don't see an increase. I'm now looking elsewhere
as i think it's an insult to those of us experienced staff who work hard to
see these 'wet behind the ears' graduates come in on a higher salary. Sorry
to sound so bitter but as a band 7 with 9 years experience I think i should
be paid more than a university leaver! -AnnoyedUK-
Comment 09/11/09:
Salary = £20,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 7
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 6
Job Title = Server Specialist.
Years Service = 10
Location = UK
Message =
My husband has not had a salary increase in more than 7 years. In that time
he has moved roles twice from desktops to servers, got a
degree in IT (self funded), passed ITIL and many Microsoft courses and scored
well in feedback. He has programming skills and knows Linux. He is also on
a final salary pension. He has been told by his managers he is 25% below market
rate. I believe he has been blacklisted due to his final salary pension. The
last time he asked for an increase he was told he could not have one due to
his pension, but now they are taking that away as well. So does that mean
he will get a payrise. He has also been waiting for his band 7 for over 1.5
years and doing a band 7 role. He gets paid about £20,000 and has more
than 10 years experience, and a grad starts at £26+. -Anonymous-
Comment 09/11/09:
Salary = $27,456 Per Hour (yes, per hour)
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 16%
Band Level = Top
This Yr-PBC = 1+
Job Title = Pres, Ceo, Big Guy
Years Service = I serve nobody
Hours/Week = 60 on the golf course
Div Name = HQ
Location = In the Clouds
Message = I'm really not satisfied with my salary. We've got to get rid of
more dead wood and get the EPS way up there. Got to figure out a way to get
more of the retirement funds into vapor profits. -Sammy-
Comment 08/26/09:
Salary = 224000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 3
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = RSM
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = Research
Location = Yorktown
Message = glad to have a raise -joe-
Comment 08/26/09:
-JB- Where RU located? -anonymous-
Comment 08/24/09:
Salary = 58K
#Yrs Since Raise = never
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 4
Message = Worked hard all year, got a 2, so no raise. No market-based adjustments
either despite practically the entire site being under
market. Getting relocated to a downsized office that lengthens the commute
for everyone, so we're hit with cost of inflation + significantly larger gas
costs. -JB-
Comment 08/22/09:
Salary = 181000 (110k - UK)
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 2.8
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = B9 SWG
Years Service = 16
Hours/Week = 70+
Location = London
Message = includes bonus (12%) -Paul-
Comment 08/20/09:
Salary = 223570
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 3
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = STSM
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 60
Message = Salary 159k in Euros converted to USD above -Mitch-
Comment 08/19/09:
Salary = $90K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1yr
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Project Manager
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 55+
Div Name = CIO
Location = Somers NY
Message = RAed in April. Just posting salary for reference point for people
still working. Stuck at band 8 for years. Consistent 2 rating. Would not kiss
enough butt to move to next level or get higher ratings. C'est la vie
-RAedAndGlad-
Comment 08/17/09:
Salary = $140k
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Sales
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = STG
Location = UK
Message = -GoingBrokeFast- I agree entirely with what you say. I
have had good 1 performances in the past few years and suddenly got a 2, though
suspect this was more to do with trying to retain other team members who were
and still are unhappy. Anyway I left despite attempts to pay retention bonuses.
I am sure the later only happened as I had such a healthy business pipeline.
-BIG Z-
Comment 08/17/09:
Sorry GoingBrokeFast - you're going broke on $140k
per year???? I was one of those fortunate enough to find a new job after IBM,
at 30% less than I was making in IBM (I was a 22 year band 9 SW engineer,
top performer too, with all of that other stuff with awards, publishing, lots
of giveback...) Sorry, but I can find me, and about 9,999 other who will trade
with you. -RAed in Jan-
Comment 08/15/09:
While it is nice to known the grass is greener
outside of IBM their are too many people that still work for IBM that will
not be afforded the opportunity to go to greener pastures due to labor and
economic reasons, like despite lousy or non- existent raises and bonuses.
IBMers and former IBMers have to support the efforts of the Alliance now.
Too much time has gone by to wait any longer. Those in the Alliance have chose
to stay in IBM and I am sure they could leave if they wanted to. But they
want to make a difference and stand up for themselves and others in IBM to
improve IBM's treatment of us all. It's a matter of simple solidarity. Why
not try to make IBM more greener for those that are left or who had worked
for IBM? I would still do my part to support the Alliance if I was fortunate
enough to find greener pastures in other employment. -anonymous-
Comment 08/13/09:
I quit IBM over a year ago without another job. Just got sick of everything
about the company. I was the "go to" person in my department because
I was one of the only people that could figure out how to do some things,
but as always when it came time for PBCs and raises, there was never anything
left. The only raise I got in 4 years was a 3% band promotion for the great
job I did. I mean 3%?? For a promotion? The final straw was when we had to
start tracking every minute of the day through some stupid time tracking software.
I remember my boss telling me "now, if you get up and get a cup of coffee,
you need to set your time category to "break". I thought to myself,
"crap, 25 years of working as a professional (CPA) and now I have to
keep track of my time when I want to take a dump". What a joke! I took
about a year off completely from work and will start a new "career"
soon. Obviously, I'm not saying that people should just quit if they can't
afford to, but for God's sake get out of that hell hole and find something
else. You'll be happy you did. -FormerIBMer-
Comment 08/11/09:
Salary = 58K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Consultant
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = 16
Location = Washington, DC
Message = Sick of the endless politics, boot licking, lack of real work/life
balance and well below market pay. -Anonymous-
Comment 08/09/09:
@pravda, with all due respect, I was promoted
in 2007, and well above band 7. Though, of course, I was RA'ed within 18 months
of the promotion. So your comment does resonate. My advice: Don't ever complete
major projects or wrap up programs in
Q4. If you do so, then you are easy for your 'leadership team' (hah - leadership)
to let go. Make sure your project continues well into the new year. -Anonymous-
Comment 08/09/09:
Salary = $139000 USD
#Yrs Since Raise = 1+
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 10+
Hours/Week = 70+
Div Name = S&D
Location = USA
Message = I am told by my manager that I am a "top contributor"
in my business unit. I bust my butt working most evenings and weekends to
do my "regular" job plus other projects plus many types of giveback.
My reward is getting a 2 PBC for last year, no raise this year, and about
60% of my incentive pay YTD. I shudder to think what the non-"top contributors"
are getting. I am slipping more into debt each year because my compensation
has decreased over 15% in base pay, in real dollars, in the past five years
and my overall compensation over 30%. Yet I am contributing more than ever
to the success of my team and IBM overall. My incentive pay is now based on
profit, which I have almost no direct control over. But profit for my BU,
IMT, IOT, and brand has been strong this year. The contempt IBM executives
hold for its employees is unbelievable. They set team members in competition
with each other for the few dollars in our incentive pay pool. Rather than
being incented for teaming for the benefit of clients and IBM, it's everyone
for himself/herself. All I need is a decent offer from a decent company and
I am gone. Morale on my team is low; I expect many others would leave today
if they could find jobs. -GoingBrokeFast-
Comment 08/09/09:
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 50+
Location = Canada
Message = I heard a rumour that IBM Canada is going to eliminate overtime
pay for band 6 and 7's. Also, band 8 pager pay is out the window. So its work
for free now boys and girls. Give up your weekends and family time to work
for free for IBM. Gotta make those CEO bonuses even higher. Well, I for one
am not going to do my bit. If they think I will work for free they are dreaming.
-Anonymous-
Allance reply: That
has already taken place, a long time ago, here in the states. IBM must be
just getting around to it in Canada.
Please contact our partners in Canada at http://www.cwa-scacanada.ca/index_EN.shtml
Comment 08/08/09:
-Shater-: Salaries for bands even WITHIN
countries regions / provinces / states vary greatly! No such salary level
a constant figure even within a like currency! For instance, in the USA, IBM
adjusts salary figures for band 8 folks within the USA, depending on where
an employee lives and works. So someone working in Endicott NY as a band 8
with the same job title would almost undoubtably make less than someone working
in Armonk NY as the same band 8. -less$alary-
Comment 08/08/09:
"Does anyone know if the Band salary level a constant figure ( after
conversion of currency ? ) , so is Band 8 in US = band 8 in Saudi arabia or
UAE ? "
Nope. You think a band 8 in China or India makes the same as a band 8
in USA??? That is why IBM fires (RAs) folks in the USA and other countries
and replaces them with cheaper folks in the BRIC countries. And it is why
IBM does not hire in any substance in a country it deems to expensive since
it hurts their bottom line profits IBM just can't drive revenue growth under
Palmisano since he is just a cost cut to profit and plunder CEO. BUT...I bet
a band D to AA makes the same salary no matter what country they work in.
But then again they are the IBM executives and they are just on a different
plane of existence than the rest of the IBM folk! -anonymous-
Comment 08/08/09:
Salary = $110K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = -10%
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 40-100
Div Name = Various
Location = Ausin, Boca, others
Message = I've been contracting / vending at IBM for 20 years. My income has
ranged from roughly $90K to well over $300K per year in years past. I have
marveled recently that anyone would be a full time IBMer. They use to treat
you guys a little special but recently, I see nothing but contempt coming
from management to the full time IBMers. The problem is customers can not
tell quality and it is clear that management can not tell quality at all.
One guy in the area is a band 10 and could not poor piss out of a boot with
the directions written on the heel. Another at band 7 is absolutely brilliant.
When they changed your retirement plans 5 or 6 years back, you all should
have just stayed home for the next week -- but you didn't. At that point,
management knew they had the upper hand. I find it hard to believe that management
will deal with the Alliance. It has no reason. They can offshore, they can
get contractors. They can just have bubble gum smacking college kids and no
one would ever know the difference. The "technical" part of most
jobs at IBM has long since gone. Most of the products IBM produces like Tivoli,
Rational, Websphere are simply hype. They are not best of breed or even adequate
of breed. They sell because of the back room deals that upper management creates
with their buddies. Tandem had explicit clauses in their contract when I worked
with them that they considered their employees assets. I was not to do particular
things to those assets. IBM, and IBM management, view its employees as expenses
-- not assets. Until that changes, the Alliance has no hope. And I don't see
that changing from the inside. Go off and find other work, start other companies,
compete with IBM. Until you are willing and able to do that, you do not have
any bargaining power. You are simply bluffing. -Random Contractor-
Comment 08/08/09:
Trying to get promoted to band 8 for an IBM job in South Africa will not significantly
better your present band 7 salary. Besides hardly anyone now gets promoted
band-wise in this IBM past band 7 (non-exempts might move up one band from
when they were hired
but no more than that) -pravda-
Comment 08/08/09:
Salary = 60000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2.5
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = ITSM
Years Service = 17
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = GTS
Location = Cairo
Message = Does anyone know if the Band salary level a constant figure ( after
conversion of currency ? ) , so is Band 8 in US = band 8 in Sausi arabia or
UAE ? -Shater-
Comment 08/07/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 3
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 40
Message = I have been in this IBM SWG Lab Services team for the past 5 years
and have not got any band change except from band 6 to 7 almost 4 years back.
I am now exploring options in other IBM locations .. Does anyone know whats
the average salary in IBM South Africa for a Band 8 Resource.
-anonymous-
Comment 08/07/09:
Anyone knows whats the average per annum salary for a Band 8 IT Specialist
resource in IBM South Africa -Anonymous-
Comment 08/01/09:
IBM global 2010 GDP and salary plan = no better than 0% Keep working hard
sheep (resources). Maybe we will not fleece or cut you or you pay in 2010
since we gotta get to our EPS so us managers and executives get more rich
with stock options and bonuses. Us managers will do what is in our best interest.
We can promise you that. Your interest should just be to keep acting like
sheep who don't flock. -anonymous-
Comment 07/31/09:
Salary = 7.000 dollars
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 5%
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Sales manager
Years Service = more than 25
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = STG
Location = Brazil
Message = STG - Brazil is not paying any bonus this year (2009) and announced
also that nobody will have salary increase, because of the economic situation.
Just the opposite of Sam's article -joao-
Allance reply: Is
"Salary = 7.000 dollars" in Brazilian reals? If so, that's 3,737.10
USD ....... correct??
Comment 07/30/09:
Salary = 105000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 4
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = S&D
Location = US
Message = No motivation due to this year's new "Profit Sharing Plan"
-Anon-
Comment 07/28/09:
Salary = Not enough characters to display it
#Yrs Since Raise = 1/12
%Raise = 100%
Band Level = 99999
This Yr-PBC = 1++++
Job Title = King/God
Years Service = does it matter? I won't get RA'd
Hours/Week = 1 working, 39 playing golf or using company jets for personal
leisure or cashing in my stocks
Div Name = All
Location = Depends on which of my many houses I want to live in that day
Message = I don't see what everybody is upset about, life is great at IBM!
-Sammy P.-
Allance reply: You know
better than to post on here as a manager, don't you Sam? 8-o
Comment 07/28/09:
anyone given 30 days in June as part of an RA received a raise before they
left? -anonymous-
Comment 07/27/09:
Salary = 39k
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 3
Job Title = Test
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 40
Message = Been with IBM a year and it has gradually dawned on me how the PBC
system works. It doesn't really matter how well you do your job. What matters
is how many meetings you schedule and invite others to and ensuring you kiss
the right ass. Some people have a skill of appearing to work hard while not
actually contributing anything of value, while others work hard, contribute,
but don't make a fuss about it. If you are willing to back-stab, tell lies
without shame, and backslap, you will go along way in IBM. But if you have
ambition and drive and want to avoid politics and don't want to kiss ass every
day, IBM is probably not the place for you. -Anon-
Comment 07/25/09:
Salary = 127000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 50
Location = RTP, NC
Message = The reward for being a "top performer" at IBM is an year-to-year
pay reduction (accounting for inflation).... -Anon-
Comment 07/25/09:
Salary = 92,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Senior Marketing
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 70-80
Div Name = STG
Location = RTP
Message = Manager went into "parity meeting" with 2+. Came out with
2 for my rating. No raise this year despite working harder than ever in a
more toxic environment. -Tinkerbell-
Comment 07/24/09:
Salary = 114000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Software ITS
Years Service = 26
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = S&D
Location = Midwest
Message = Just got my incentive payment. SWG had outstanding first half. My
incentive payment didn't reflect it. Was told that the incentive "bucket"
was only funded at 60%. So,,, where's the incentive to make or exceed numbers
when they won't pay out what is earned! -Anonymous-
Comment 07/23/09:
Salary = $105000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Sr IT Specialist
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = 6C
Location = NE Florida
Message = Was let go a few months back and happy to be gone from IBM. I was
involved in 3 of the most outrageously bad assignments of my career ever.
All 3 were red-teamed. My team of 400 were wiped out except for most of the
managers and a few PM\'s. The managers and the PM\'s were the cause of the
bad projects and they kept their jobs. What a joke! Peace to all. -ednwilbur-
Comment 07/23/09:
Salary = $71, 200.
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = UNIX Systems Administrator
Years Service = 24
Hours/Week = 50
Message = I received a total of a 1% raise over the last 3 years. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/23/09:
Salary = 50000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.1
Band Level = 4
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Atlanta
Message = 2 percent last year, 1 percent this year. I'm falling behind to
inflation. -GyppedInGeorgia-
Comment 07/23/09:
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Message = Anonymous Canada: You might not even get 1%. You could get 0%. That's
what I got despite a recent PBC 2+. IBM is probably treating Canada as badly
as they do the USA with these paltry raises if you get one. -sby_willie-
Comment 07/22/09:
Salary = $74,000CAN
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = n/a
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Adv. IT Spec.
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 40 to 50
Div Name = IGS
Location = Canada
Message = Those of us in Canada have yet to hear a peep about our raises,
but it's pretty clear that it's going to go down the same route as the US.
I'm expecting a 1% at best, given the spin this year. Nevertheless, I still
have a job and can still support myself and my family which is something I
can't say for a lot of people who were walked out the door earlier this year.
We might as well accept the fact that the high-paid execs are going to continue
to realize their own substantial increases despite the limits of the economy.
They sit at the top of the food chain, and have positioned themselves to gain.
I want to also mention that having read many comments on this site, I suspect
there are many complacent IBM "day jobbers" here who think a lot
more highly of their performance then perhaps their peers do. We all work
with someone who has a sense of entitlement that eclipses their performance,
and don't deserve what they make, much less a penny increase. People here
need to spend less time whining openly about how poorly they are paid, and
instead take action in the office by refusing to do extra work, work long
hours, or go above and beyond. And if you get fired, then at least you get
your package. Like it or leave it. -Anonymous-
Allance reply: The alternative to organize, exists in Canada at some level.
There are links here that can take you to organizations that can help you
do that:
National Office
CWA|SCA Canada
7B - 1050 Baxter Road
Ottawa, ON K2C 3P1
Telephone: 613-820-9777
Toll-free: 1-877-486-4292
Facsimile: 613-820-8188
info@cwa-scacanada.ca
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 156k USD
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = SWG
Location = USA
Message = will quit IBM soon and go to a competitor -Anonymous-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 156k USD
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = SWG
Location = USA
Message = will quit IBM soon and go to a competitor -Anonymous-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 110k
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Engineer
Years Service = 15
Hours/Week = 55
Location = global
Message = Response to "...People, I see a lot of disproportionately
low band level folks complaining. I hate to say this, but I get the feeling
that many are clock punchers. Band 9 and 30 years service? Something doesn't
add up. If you haven't made it to 10 by 20... well, there's probably a reason
you're not getting a raise. As much as I think that IBM execs can be ruthless,
there is a pay for performance element here which is at its base, healthy.
It's this kind of whining entitlement which is sapping at the strength of
the American technology workforce -anon"
I had to read your post about four times to try and figure out why you believe
what you are saying. Here are some facts.
1. IBM needs bands other than 10 and up so don't slam someone because they
have not made it to band 10.
2. You are confusing pay with worth. Is low pay equal to low worth? This theory
is a shortcut way of designing a work team. Lower paid employees often do
the lions share of work, do don't dismiss them. I have had some good managers
at IBM who are not just puppets, they care about their employees. They recognize
worth but are bound by corporate dictates to manage raises. I understand this,
do not like it but understand it.
3. People are trying to stand up for their rights on this union board. Why
do you call this whining?
4. Motivating oneself to work in this environment is extremely hard when you
know you are at best, one quarter away from unemployment. It is most difficult
for those BELOW band 10. Do not forget this otherwise the next time you need
technical help, you better call support. If you feel strongly about your convictions,
then why did you not sign your post? Why be anonymous if you are going to
be condescending? P.S. It's probably my stupidity but I still believe that
there is a chance for IBM, as long as they start to behave as if they truly
value employees. HEY why don't you be a good role model! -a number-
Comment 07/21/09:
" People, I see a lot of disproportionately low band level folks
complaining. I hate to say this, but I get the feeling that many are clock
punchers. Band 9 and 30 years service? Something doesn't add up. If you haven't
made it to 10 by 20... well, there's probably a reason you're not getting
a raise."
Most IBMers never can even sniff band 9 let alone band 10 in a career. It's
even difficult now to get to band 8 in an IBM "career". For non-exempts
band 5 is no longer a real possibility. The bands and who gets to them are
all political don't you agree? Anon, are you an Alliance member? BTW: Nice
condescension. IBM needs more of yo
ur ego. -clockpuncher-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 59K after last year's remix (ahem, PAY CUT)
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = IT Specialist; rated 2+ for the past 6 years
Years Service = 26
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = ITD
Location = Boulder
Message = to "anon": Get out of here, you troll. How many band 10
positions are even out there? And are YOU going to quit your job voluntarily
so that I have a chance to move up to band 8 to replace the guy that moves
up to band 9 to replace the person that gets YOUR job? Get real. There are
PLENTY of us in the "lower bands" that pull our weight AND MORE,
especially now that we have to compensate for work no longer being done by
our FIRED (not laid off) peers and/or transitioned to GR equivalents that
don't have the 20+ years experience that some of us DO have (and business
knowledge, and familiarity with the corporate culture DOES count for something).
You can't be a chief when there are no Indians.... so count YOUR blessings
that there are those of us in the "lower bands" that do at least
part of the REAL work that somehow keeps at least part of this company afloat.
-Get Real-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 87000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Mg Cons.
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 40
Location = TX
Message = Are the Sales bonuses a direct % of salary or a big number driven
by the Business Won? -anon-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 119000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 4.1
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = Consulting Sales Spec.
Years Service = 13
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = S&D
Location = USA
Message = People, I see a lot of disproportionately low band level folks complaining.
I hate to say this, but I get the feeling that many are
clock punchers. Band 9 and 30 years service? Something doesn't add up. If
you haven't made it to 10 by 20... well, there's probably a
reason you're not getting a raise. As much as I think that IBM execs can be
ruthless, there is a pay for performance element here which is
at its base, healthy. It's this kind of whining entitlement which is sapping
at the strength of the American technology workforce -anon-
Comment 07/21/09:
Salary = 15000$
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2.5%
Band Level = 5
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 45
Location = Czech Republic
Message = First they've cut the meal vouchers and now they are giving these
insulting increases! I wonder what next year will bring -BRNO-
Comment 07/20/09:
Salary = 132,600
#Yrs Since Raise = 1.1
%Raise = 1.8
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Senior Development Engineer
Years Service = 30
Div Name = IBM Systems &Technology Group, Semiconductor Solutions
Location = Fishkill, NY
Message = I hit my peak earning power in 2001. My salary, in inflation adjusted
$ is worth 5.5% less than it was in 2001. (last year it was
down over 8% but the lasy tear has actually seen disinflation as measured
by the CPI). This is the worst stretch of negative income grown in by IBM
career. Couple with that that IBM charges me much more for health care, has
cut the bonus PLAN during this period and my standard of living has taken
a big hit. But the worst thing has been the constant feeling of dread and
uncertainty. The feeling, that no matter how hard you work and what you accomplish,
is that you could be thrown out with the trash tomorrow. -BFL-
Comment 07/19/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = NA
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = NA
Years Service = over 25
Hours/Week = many
Message = Hi Joe, Your comment - 'I'd rather foregoe 1% and have the resources
in the company to get the job done that I need to do, and want to do.' - makes
perfect sense. I was 'RA'ed' this year, and I still occasionally wonder how
my old colleagues are doing, having picked up the work of about half of the
team. I imagine (and hope) that they were able to re-prioritize the projects.
They are a very good team, btw - I just don't see them taking on ALL of the
work of the other half of the team. And I no longer stay in touch with most
of my IBM colleagues, except for my references, of course. At this time, I
believe it is better to move on.
I won't post my salary increase (for obvious reasons - I no longer work there!).
However, I did get a 2008 bonus check in the mail after
leaving IBM - kinda funny really. : ) And one more thought fwiw - my experience
working with international teams was generally positive, over more than 10
years. That doesn't mean that I want to see others laid off (as I was). It's
just an observation.
And no, I'm not an IBM mgr - just a real RA'ed ex-employee. Good luck.
-I agree-
Comment 07/17/09:
Salary = 100000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = engineer manager
Years Service = 31
Hours/Week = 40-50
Div Name = stg
Location = pok
Message = I'd rather forego 1% and have the resources in the company to get
the job done that I need to do, and want to do. -joe schmo-
Allance reply: Usually, I catch these kinds of posts, from managers, and refrain
from posting them. Somehow I overlooked this and it ended up here. So just
to review:
Managers are not eligible to be union members. If you
are a manager and are viewing this site or posting comments to it, you are
in violation of Federal law, section (8a) of the National Labor Realtions
Act: Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act states it is a violation
for Employers to spy on union gatherings, or pretend to spy. For the purpose
of the National Labor Relations Act, notice is given that this site and all
of its content, messages, communications, or other content is considered to
be a union gathering.
I apologize for the error of postin this comment.
Comment 07/17/09:
>curious .. what is the salary range for managers? first and second
level at least. -LisaB-
In marketing first lines have the same range as Band 9 or 10 employees,
depending on the scope of that managers responsibility. In non-marketing organizations
live development, I believe first lines may be more like band 7 or 8. This
is from observing first line development managers moving into non-management
field marketing roles and it being either a lateral move or a promotion. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/16/09:
"Can't complain with 2%. The most I heard from my dept was 2.5% -anonymous-"
Gee, this is exactly the sentiment IBM wants. A 2% raise is
about half the level of inflatiom. IBM used to give raises so you can actuall
y can have more money and even beat inflation. Next year you'll say : "Can't
complain with 0%. All I heard from my dept was 0%" Trust me it'll
get better NEXT YEAR if you are still in IBM and not RA'ed by then! AT WILL
EMPLOYEE with NO CONTRACT = less and less raises and bonuses.
-anonymous-
Comment 07/16/09:
Salary = 77K
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 1.7
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = hw engineer/scientist
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = STG
Location = USA
Message = Did anyone else see our CEO's note to all employees today.. Best
1st, 2nd, or 3rd quarter ever in income for IBM. Not the best raise for me.
-hw_engineer-
Comment 07/16/09:
Salary = $86000 NZD
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 40-50
Location = New Zealand
Message = PBC of 1 with a 1% increase. Are there any statistics out there
for band ranges for New Zealand? Is it as simple as using the ranges already
given and calculating in NZ.. 86k nz equates to 55k US? -still_looking-
Comment 07/16/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.3
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = PM - AXP Account
Hours/Week = does it matter?
Message = Was told 1.3% was fantastic considering the average in my group
of 200 or so was 1.0%. I am still trying to find the right mix of logic, reason
and sanity that will make me profoundly say I am one of the lucky ones. Granted
1.3% is better than 0% but I cannot see this being too much of a difference.
-anonymous-
Comment 07/16/09:
Salary = 89000
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Senior I/T Specialist
Years Service = 15
Hours/Week = 40
Location = NY
Message = No raise as expected . Manager thanked me for the hard work and
said SHE was thankful just to have her job. Whatever. I'm just curious ..
what is the salary range for managers? first and second level at least.
-LisaB-
Comment 07/16/09:
Salary = 76000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Years Service = 14
Hours/Week = 80 (yes)
Location = Atlanta
Message = Won't even attempt to find new Employees when they are funded already.
Lose a team member, get more work. -Anon-
Comment 07/16/09:
Salary = 48,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 3.0%
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 50+
Location = RTP
Message = Have been a band 7 for 6 years, the 3% bumped me from $48K to $49K,
still woefully underpaid, but now totally convinced I will never ever be equitably
paid by IBM. Will limit my hours per week by simply "logging off".
No more 50+ hours.....That phoney speil I got when hired "we know the
salary is low, but we will get you moved up quickly", was just the usual
IBM propaganda speech, all spin and zero truth. -Concerned-
Comment 07/15/09:
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Message = "Hell I knew 2+ ratings that got 1 percent" How
about 0% percent? That's what I got. Anyone else got this with a PBC 2+? -sby_willie-
Comment 07/15/09:
Salary = $150,000 US
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 3
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Years Service = 31
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = GBS
Location = USA
Message = no comment -anonymous-
Comment 07/15/09:
Salary = 83K
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = SW Engineer
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 45-50
Div Name = STG
Location = Tucson
Message = Can\'t complain with 2%. The most I heard from my dept was 2.5%
-anonymous-
Comment 07/15/09:
I guess judging by this forums sparse activity yesterday either you folks
are so darn busy to even check your pay stub yet or are in plain shock at
non-existent or paltry and insulting raises/ Well what is it? -whatssup?-
Comment 07/15/09:
For those of you that are content with a paltry 1% riaise or for those that
got no raise but still feel so grateful, fortunate, and lucky to have a job
still in the IBM: Don't get complacent. Thousands of you, and I mean thousands,
will continue to lose their jobs before 2011. I hope I am so wrong about this
but the trend of IBM trying to increase profits with loss of revenue means
only one thing: the need to trim more jobs so the Armonk executive elitists
can make more $$$ to line their greedy pockets! All they care about is themselves
and use IBM to do their bidding. Do yourselves a favor if you want to still
work in IBM: get a contract to protect you job as best you can. The Armonk
executives all have at least an unwritten contract saying that their job is
secure for as long as they want (they have a long term retention bonus program
as well) and their bonuses are about guaranteed. -anonymous-
Comment 07/14/09:
Salary = 119,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 8
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Adv Software Engineer
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 40+
Div Name = AIM
Location = NE
Message = Well I wish I knew who the raises went to? it wasn't me that's for
certain...I'm so very disgusted at this point...you can tell the raise getters
tho...big smile...all happy....Hell I knew 2+ ratings that got 1 percent.
These people are so cheap its pathetic...where is the
incentive to work hard if they don't give you any sort of raise for years...and
to think...I wanted to work at this Company because of its
NAME and its reputation...I guess I'm the fool..... -JustnotAppreciatedIGuess-
Comment 07/14/09:
I certainly am happy at my raise! Now I can afford to fill up my car with
gas two more times per month! -ProudIBMer_orNot-
Comment 07/14/09:
Salary = well below midpoint for sure
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 00000
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Message = What a rude shock. I checked my pay stub today. NO RAISE. I thought
it was said all PBC 2+ will get a raise? What's going on? Sam, what did you
say? Your worse than a thief: a liar. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/14/09:
So how is your raise folks? Happy at the worst raises IBM has given out despite
RECORD 2008 PROFITS? Why don't we get a contract so we can get better raises
in collective bargaining? Next year there might not be any raises or worse
maybe an across the board pay cut for all. -raises_sux-
Comment 07/14/09:
Salary = 41000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2.1
Band Level = 3
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = specialist
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 42
Div Name = stg
Location = btv
Message = They took away $5500 in January by removing aws and gave back $900
in July. Great deal. I am making less now than 7 years ago. Maybe corporate
should forego raises for a few years and give it to the little people who
do all the work. It makes alot of people feel expendable with bad maorale.
All this from a company that makes billions of dollars. Thanks Sam -joe-
Comment 07/13/09:
Salary = 55000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.4
Band Level = 4
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = ssr
Years Service = 23
Hours/Week = 40+
Location = southeast
Message = Haven't heard anything about raises- Anonymous-
Comment 07/13/09:
Salary = mid 60's
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.5
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = PM
Years Service = 13
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = IGS
Location = NC
Message = this division has gone down hill the last 2 years due to LEAN and
now all these GDF and overseas moves...my job was fun but now I dread it -shocked-
Comment 07/12/09:
Salary = 145000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2.3
Band Level = 10
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Sales
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 40
Message = Glad to get a raise since sales are not as good as last year. -no
name-
Comment 07/11/09:
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Years Service = 25+
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = ITD/SSO
Message = To Old-Timer: IBM isn't giving US workers raises because they are
trying to level the playing field with the 3rd world countries. We make too
much.
They have the choice of
1) Firing us or
2) Keep driving our pay and benefits down to be more in line with BRIC. They're
using a combination of the two to do their dirty work. It's not just IBM,
it's ALL the outsourcing I/T companies. The entire industry needs to have
representation! And the computer workers need to start taking care of themselves
and organize. -miss understanding-
Comment 07/11/09:
Salary = 40000
#Yrs Since Raise = 5
%Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 3
Message = hi -sdsa-
Comment 07/11/09:
Salary = 65K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 70
Div Name = SWG
Location = MA
Message = -Anonymous-
Comment 07/10/09:
Salary = $73K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.5%
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Bus. Anlyst
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 45+
Div Name = ITD
Location = Boulder
Message = I made more money in 2001 when the variable pay amount was higher!
Had about a 5-year glut with NO raise -frustrated-
Comment 07/10/09:
Salary = 85K
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 1.5
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 1
Years Service = 29
Hours/Week = 55
Message = Mgr said I was one of the lucky ones. Average raise in my group
for 1's was 1%. I am not paid for OT, just have to do it to get my work done.
Pevious year was 2+, but no raise. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/09/09:
Salary = 57,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.0
Band Level = 4
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 22
Hours/Week = 45
Message = Time to work more OT. Only way to make any extra money at this company
-Anon-
Comment 07/09/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 3
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Manufacturing specialist
Years Service = 27.5
Hours/Week = AWS-12 hr days
Div Name = IBM Systems & Technology Group
Location = Fishkill, NY
Message = PBC ratings have always been very political in the manufacturing
areas of IBM. I am a college graduate with a degree in Business ,have worked
hard AND smart for 27.5 years here and in Poughkeepsie, NY. I have about 15
sick days in these 27.5 years.Thats about 1/2 day per year! I am an exemplary
employee and a veteran I , as have others , have seen the wrong employees
get the top ratings. Ask just about anyone here and they will tell you this
as well. This year I was rated a 2 (solid contributor). and was told , as
were many others, I was not eligible for a raise. I can understand not getting
a raise but I can not understand the unfairness of the system that determines
who gets them. It is totally political and IBM is in total denial of it and
they have everyone too scared to say anything -Anonymous-
Comment 07/08/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 4
%Raise = 1.5
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2.5
Job Title = Security Focal
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SSO
Location = CT
Message = Re: July 2009 Raises: I was given a 1.5% increase on a job I perform
that is rated as a band 7, but i am conveniently slotted as a band 6........
in addition to this in May ’09 IBM no longer approves my remote access
reimbursement. In addition I had a 6% salary decrease which I was told I could
make up in 5 hours OT which we were told we all do anyways….. but now
i am no longer approved for OT because we have to watch out for the company.
Don’t even get me going on the changes in the retirement plan. These
current times have taught me “Its no longer the benefits of working
at IBM, it whether or not you can endure the pyramid scheme on a corporate
playing field. Piracy/Rape with a suit on. It is however our own fault. Our
culture has allowed big business to behave this way and now WE as weak pawns
let them brainwash us into condoning their actions allowing it because its
the nature of the business mind. Oh come on... give me a break. Thats sounds
like something a teenager would say when they don't want to be accountable.
However...we let business govern themselves, we didn't watch their every step....and
they took full advantage of the ungoverned playing field. But who knew we
had to watch them too.... we were all too busy trying to get 'career educated',
'experienced' and work at personal life too. -Anonymous-
Allance reply: We have been telling IBM workers this and warning them of the
consequences of not fighting back; since 1999. Apparently, not enough IBMers
have listened. You may be right about 'WE as weak pawns let them brainwash
us'; but you can recover from it, if you seek help from your co-workers; to
get up off the ground and stand up with your co-workers and organize.
Comment 07/07/09:
Salary = 105k
Years Service = 15
Message = No info from mgmt and no talk of raise yet in my group. Total crap.
US work force is like a cancer to IBM. Their are hoping another year of no
raises will discourage us; force us to die off as they continue to replace
us one by one. "we are being exterminated" Happy 4th Of July!
-OldTimer-
Comment 07/07/09:
Salary = 68500
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = IGS
Location = US
Message = Definitely no raises for PBC 2 this year. This is directly from
the presentation
-Unlike other companies, IBM continues to invest in employees during a challenging
business environment
-Many competitors have either frozen or reduced salary plans
-Employee bonuses and incentives paid on time again this year
-Investment in learning and individual development through IBM CareerSmart
to enable employees to help grow skills and take on
leadership roles
-No salary program globally this year for executives
-Investment reflects IBM’s commitment to pay for performance while balancing
global market conditions and business affordability
-Top Contributor Reward (TCR) increases will cover all PBC 1 and 2+ rated
employees, regardless of their individual pay competitiveness
-Market-Based Adjustments (MBA) will not be given this year
-Salary increases will take effect July 1 this year, moving from June 1, to
align with six-month sales/quota cycles
I'm still waiting for them to invest in me as they say they continue to do.
Any training I get has to be online and free or from someone on my team. They
will not pay for any classroom training. I am a dues paying Union member.
-Out as soon as I get an offer.-
Comment 07/07/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 1.2
Band Level = 7
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Junior PM
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 45
Message = Just received an incredibly small raise which does nothing to offset
the pay cut received 2 years ago now... I'm sure Sam will get his usual multi
million dollar raise. What a joke... -nameless1-
Comment 07/07/09:
Salary = 80K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = IT Specialist
Hours/Week = does it matter?
Div Name = MBPS
Location = USA
Message = That's right.. NO RAISE. Not even 1%. IBM had RECORD PROFITS IN
2008. Why was I not given a raise when supposedly all PBC "2+" and
"1"'s were told they would get one from Sam Palmicrapo???? IBM Invests
in it's employees. Well, where? And what employees? It's a LIE. 60% of IBMers
got a raise. It's a LIE..a LIE..a LIE..
-anonymous-
Comment 07/07/09:
When I first started with big blow in 99 it was common for your
manager to give you a 3 the first year because you were "new" and
say sorry no raise. I was also put into the wrong pay band from the company
I came from and was over the top of this band already. Year two, sorry you're
over your pay band. Year 3 he tried to pull the same crap and get off the
phone in 2 minutes. After 20 minutes of me reprimanding my manager, he talked
to other team members who told him nobody else knew my job. Two weeks later
he came back and bumped me up to the next band saying the reason was "retention".
Gee thanks but at least I got a raise out of it. For the next 8 years it was
always a struggle to get any raise out of this lousy company. So glad I'm
gone. Everybody knows what management is in this company. Scum!
-Gone_in_07-
Comment 07/07/09:
Salary = £44k
#Yrs Since Raise = 3
%Raise = %1.3
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2
Job Title = Unix/AIX consultant
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = GTS
Location = UK
Message = Last two PBC Ratings 2 plus and 2. Dropped from 2 plus to 2 as I
appear to have lost motivation (my managers words)
Well what do they expect, no pay raise after a 2 plus and no pay raise this
year. From being an employee who has always wanted to help have decided no
point as no salary raise , no bonuses, Taken away broadband and dropped the
milage rate. Just been told that now doing away with disturbance rates when
working away form home. Whay is the point, Will now become a difficult employee
i.e will not
voluteer for any work be disruptive and hang around until I eventually get
laid off. -steve_UK-
Comment 07/06/09:
Funny, my manager tried to change the subject quickly after
sametiming me my "increase" *rolls eyes*. I suppose I'll do the
same after telling him I've found a better paying job. I'm preparing my resume
now and see this as a much better alternative than to organize.
My allegiance is not to the company, but to myself and my family. I worry
not if Big Blue fails once I'm gone. -anonymous-
Comment 07/05/09:
Any PBC "2+" in USA not getting a raise? I am a PBC
2+ and haven't heard a thing about a raise yet. My manager always tries to
look "busy" but is protecting their a$$ all the time. I'm tired
of this sorry a$$ company. -anonymous-
Comment 07/05/09:
Salary = £27k
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 1
Years Service = 8
Div Name = GBS
Location = UK
Message = Dunno what to make of it really.. New Grads earn more than me! -AnonUK-
Comment 07/04/09:
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 9
This Yr-PBC = 1
Job Title = Sr. Software Engineer
Years Service = 21
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = STG
Location = Rochester
Message = 1 rating = %2 raise. I was told only merit rasises were given this
year, and no "market rate" ones. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/03/09:
Salary = £61k GBP
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 0
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = PM
Years Service = 13
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = GBS
Location = UK
Message = No one in GBS UK is getting a payrise in 2009...first time in 22
year career; but the world has been through financial meltdown so I can cope
with a one-year blip... -Anonymous-
Comment 07/02/09:
Salary = 59000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = IT Spec
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 40
Location = South of Mason Dixon Line
Message = Not even at PMR. -Anonymous-
Comment 07/02/09:
Salary = 58900
%Raise = 2
Band Level = 6
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = gts
Message = Same % as last year, expected nothing more.. -Jehosaphat-
Comment 07/02/09:
Salary = 118K
#Yrs Since Raise = 3
%Raise = 1.8
Band Level = 8
This Yr-PBC = 2+
Job Title = Advisory Engineer
Years Service = 26
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Poughkeepsie
Message =
Waited 3 years for a 1.8% raise. The cost of a sandwich for lunch
has gone up a lot more than 1.8% in the last 3 years! -Anonymous-
Comment 07/02/09:
Salary = $125k
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 9
Job Title = RSM
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = Research
Location = New York
PBC= 2+
Raise= 1%
Message = 2+ PBC led to a 1% raise -Anonymous-
Comment 07/02/09:
Salary = 70k
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
Band Level = 6
Years Service = <5
Hours/Week = What's required and not a minute more
Location = US
PBC= 2+
Raise= 1.8%
Message = I feel I'm underpaid, but looking at some of the numbers posted
here. It's highway robbery! Why do you stay? -Anonymous-
Allance reply: The better question is: Why don't you organize?
Comment 07/01/09:
Salary = 81K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 5
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 32
Hours/Week = 40 +O/T
Div Name = MTS
Location = East Coast
Message = 1 performer and it only got me a 1.3% raise. How cheap can they
get. What a pathetic company -Going in reverse-
Comment 07/01/09:
to anonymous at 60K band 7: Boy are you UNDERPAID!!! Way underpaid. IBM is
basing your raise on the lousy USA economy. In times past when IBM was Big
Blue you probably would have gotten 5-8%. How ya feel now? That's why you
ONLY got a 2% raise. Which IBM after company RECORD 2008 profits IBM considers
a GREAT RAISE. PBC "1'" performers got 2% raises who are paid with
band midpoints. Notice no TCR anymore. Isn't it grand to work at this Big
Blew??? -anonymous-
Comment 07/01/09:
Salary = $115K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory Engineer
Years Service = 14
Hours/Week = 40 - 60
Div Name = STG
Location = Austin
Message = PBC = 2+ performer, got 1.3% raise -Anon-
Comment 07/01/09:
Salary = 99k
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Project Manager
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = BPD
Message =
Raise was 3.7%
PBC = 1
I have been a 1 for past two years. Heard that 4% was the highest allowed
by anyone. -IBMer_BPD-
Comment 07/01/09:
Salary = 97K
#Yrs Since Raise = 3
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 18
Hours/Week = 44-48
Div Name = GBS
Location = NY
Message = PBC of 2 for 2008. 2006-2007 was a 2+ but didn't get a raise then
either. BS in the management presentation about "poor year" from
IBM. My mgr all but told me I might never get another raise. -Never
a raise-
Comment 06/30/09:
Salary = 60,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 07
Location = US
Message = 2+ performer got 2% pay raise. I count my self lucky that I've gotten
raises every year at IBM. Still 2% effectively means a pay
cut. -Anonymous-
Comment 06/30/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 0
Band Level = 4
Job Title = Technician
Years Service = 24
Location = Burlington, VT
Message =
I am a dues paying union member with 24 years of service at IBM, currently
working in BVT. My manager informed the department that the salary plan was
finalized and that approximately 45% of the department employees would see
a payraise. I received my <1% raise and after speaking to my counterparts
realized that greater than 70% of the department received increases. Anyone
know why management
would purposely skew the numbers on this issue? -Tom Watson III-
Comment 06/30/09:
Salary = £110000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 9
Job Title = SWITA manager
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = UKI
Message = Smile, though your heart is breaking -Bob Pure-
Comment 06/29/09:
Salary = $122K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Senior IT Architect
Years Service = 31
Hours/Week = 55
Div Name = GTS
Location = US
Message = PBC Rating of 2+. Raise of 1.2%. -Anonymous-
Comment 06/29/09:
Salary = 102K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Project Manager
Years Service = 25+
Hours/Week = 55+
Div Name = CHQ
Message = PBC 1 and got 2.1% raise. Seems reasonable given my penetration
into the salary band. -Anonymous-
Comment 06/29/09:
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 60
Message = PBC rating 1, raise this year 3.1 -Anon-
Comment 06/29/09:
This just doesn't make sense...
Salary = 105k
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
PBC Rating = 2+
Raise = 1.3%
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Project Manager
Years Service = 10+
Hours/Week = 48+
Div Name = ITD
Location = Work@Home -Anonymous-
Comment 06/29/09:
Salary = 20 lacs
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Consultant
Years Service = 16
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = Solution Architecting
Location = Kolkata
Message = Need to know IBM Salary band wise -Anonymous-
Comment 06/28/09:
Salary = 87k
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior I/T Architect Specialist
Years Service = 25+
Hours/Week = 46
Div Name = ITD/SSO
Location = work@home
Message = Take it from someone who's been around for over 25 years. Don't
waste your time busting your butt around here.
1) It's not appreciated
2) It isn't going to get you a bigger raise
3) It isn't going to get you a better position. Do what you need to do. Don't
goof off, do your work and make the customer happy. Be selective in what you
volunteer for. Don't take crappy assignments that won't amount to much. There
are tons of projects out there that have no future because the project is
not funded past the point of initial development. Why bother working on something
that is already dead in the water. Make sure you find out ahead of time if
the project has a future. OR that it will give YOU something (such as another
valuable skill or ability to grow into another position). It's all about YOU.
IBM is thinking only of itself, YOU do the same. -anon-
Comment 06/28/09:
Salary = 90,000
Location = RA'd
Message = Anon, you are correct! I created a side business 3 years before
I was RA'd. Now that I'm making $60k being my own boss, I'm glad I did! Only
problem is I cannot get my unemployment. -AnonRTP-
Comment 06/27/09:
Salary = 78,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 2
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Staff Soft. Engineer
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = The absolute minimum to keep my job.
Location = Austin
Message = You folks working 50,60 hours a week or more for a PBC 1 are fools.
Better to spend that extra time working an extra gig on the side making $50-60
per hour. I\'ve been doing that for months and have effectively doubled my
income. QUIT WASTING YOUR TIME, PARTICUALARLY FAMILY TIME, TO WORK HARDER
FOR IBM! -anon-
Comment 06/27/09: While
it is nice to give rasies I have a problem with Sammy's thinking regarding
how he awards top performers. Top performers are defined by management. Let's
say I chum up to my manager and go to lunch with him, play golf with him,
and buy him a beer after work. He is going to reward me as a top performer.
I guarantee it. No doubt in my mind. Is that fair? No. That is why you see
so much discontent in IBM right now with the employees. -Joe Engineer-
Comment 06/27/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 40-50
Div Name = SWG
Location = NC
Message = with this many years of service with IBM, still same Band from last
6yrs. Manager thinks i need to do publications and other craps. i don't see
similar things from my team members but they still get raises. I really find
it unfortunate to work with IBM, once you work with IBM, you are out-dated
in technology, you will not get any interviews from other companie as you
hardly use much of technology in IBM work. Exe & Managers make much more
money in IBM, they need to learn sharing it :) To all those people how make
90k or above, i think you are making enough in this economy i understand you
have many yrs of service, but in this rough time it does not matter. All this
IDP and PBS is scrap, even you accomplish everything from it, you don't get
promotion its all about B.S. and bad politics. -anyone-
Comment 06/27/09:
I HAD A DREAM. I dreamt that I had an employment contract that gave me cost
of living raises. That a review board of people who actually did my job reviewed
my performance and appraised me. That I got additional performance pay or
not based on this stern but fair appraisel . I dreamed on that I had affordable
health care and my group discount rates would still apply when I retired as
I was still a member of a large group. In this dream even retirees saw raises
every 5 years or so. Granted, not big ones but every little bit helps on a
fixed income. In my dream I was happy with my career and knew what I had to
look forward to in retirement. In my dream IBM was even more profitable because
the executives could focus on improving products and market share instead
of how to cheat employees for fun and profit. Life was good for all. I had
a dream. -Exodus2007-
Comment 06/26/09:
Years Service = 20+
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = ITD
Message = PBC = 1, +2.5% -Fred-
Comment 06/26/09:
Salary = $87K
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 25+
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = ITD
Message = I erred in my previous post by not including: 2+ rating & 2%
raise this year. This is what I was thinking about when I stated "better
than a sharp stick in the eye but not by much....". I appreciate the
candor of everyone posting here. Thanks.... -grayhair-
Comment 06/26/09:
"there is no salary program globally this year for executives"
But more stock buybacks and options galore for them! Now that really
sucks, huh? -IBMoptioneer-
Comment 06/26/09:
"...At a recent briefing by mgmt here in the north of the UK, we
were told that Sam's statement re 60% was "a mistake".."
IBM promoting Sam to CEO was a MISTAKE. *Maybe* 60% of the entire workforce
*might* get a tiny raise, mainly those 60% are in the BRIC. Typical of this
Big Blew. -SlammyPalmicrapo-
Comment 06/26/09:
Location = UK
Message = At a recent briefing by mgmt here in the north of the UK, we were
told that Sam's statement re 60% was "a mistake" and was not intended
for employees but for the market (i.e. a PR exercise). So no pay rises in
UK this year but at least I know who the top performers are now - they are
the ones wandering around aimlessly muttering "why did I bother"...
On a separate note, heard a rumour that Software Group in the UK will shed
staff in 3Q -Limey-
Comment 06/26/09:
60% worldwide will get raises? But what percentage in the US? Specifics Sam!
-beamer-
Comment 06/26/09:
Off W3 this AM: What you should know about salary increases .
Related links
* IBM 401k Plus
* IBM MoneySmart
* Salary increase effective date moves to July 1
IBM is investing in salary increases in 2009 for its top
contributors — all PBC 1 and 2+ performers — that will increase
base pay for about
240,000 IBMers worldwide. Here's what you should know to have a productive
salary discussion with your manager in late June or early July.
IBM paid bonuses earlier this year to IBMers worldwide,
from a pool of money nearly the same size as last year's, and continues
support for learning and skill development for all employees, through programs
such as the recently announced IBM CareerSmart.
Also, IBM made an important decision to focus its considerable
salary investment on non-executive employees only - there is no salary
program globally this year for executives.
As a reminder, the effective date for salary increases for
eligible employees will move to July 1 from June 1 this year in nearly all
countries to align with the six-month pay cycle of the sales teams.
If you are receiving an increase, your manager will notify
you when to expect it in your pay statement. Managers will discuss salary
with all employees between late June and early July. If you have any questions,
please speak with your manager -anon-
Comment 06/25/09:
IBM had it's best year in profits ever in 2008 and you will now lose the 401k+
transition benefit if you have a frozen IBM Personal Pension Account (PPA).
It ends on 6/30/09. You'll lose earnings anywhere from 1-4% in company contribution
to your 401k+. More details are here. Go to Fidelity Netbenefits:
https://workplaceservices300.fidelity.com/netbenefits/navstation/navigation
Select "IBM 401(k) PLUS PLAN"
Go to "Plan Info and Documents".
Go to the "Summary Plan Description" (You can also download the
Adobe Acrobat file = a total of 135 pages). Page 29 on the prospectus describes
the "Transitional Credits" for the 401k+ plan. So those lucky
to get a 1-2% raise you'll probably not get ahead with it since you will
lose at least a 1% transition credit "benefit" maybe more your
transition credit was more than you recent raise.. --
Comment 06/25/09:
#Yrs Since Raise = 6
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Sr. Consulting IT Specialist
Years Service = 30
Message = Sigh, I think there must have been a typo in Sam's teleprompter.
The 60% was supposed to be for the TOP performers.... not
the top PERFORMERS. Simple semantics. NO raise for YOU...... -Tom
B.-
Comment 06/25/09:
Salary = 75,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Not Important
Years Service = Over 10
Hours/Week = As many as my slave owner makes me work
Div Name = Canada
Location = Canada
Message = Here's a good one for everyone. Today we learned that our raises
will not come in on time in July but instead will be paid in September. The
accountants are doing their shell game once again. This happened a few years
ago when our raises were postponed a few months. The very next year our raises
were delivered on the "new" schedule. So my calculation indicate
they have gained approximately 4 months. All they need to do is do this again
a couple of times and they've skipped raises for a complete year. Take this
with their theft of 40-60 dollars a month from all remote workers by not paying
DSL charges anymore and the big fellas are doing ok aren't they? Their bonuses
should be pretty darn good this year. -IBMBS.com-
Comment 06/25/09:
Salary = 56000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 4
Years Service = 10+
Hours/Week = 65
Div Name = 07
Location = Boulder
Message = Just got the call from my manager saying that they have been told
that ONLY PCB ratings of 2+ and 1's are getting raises this year. The only
reason I got a 2 this past year is because I spent some time (6 weeks) out
of the country WORKING and visiting my Father who has Cancer. If I had done
the same job doing the same thing the same way with the same result, I would
have gotten the 2+ rating and a crappy raise -Bob-
Comment 06/25/09:
Salary = $87,000
#Yrs Since Raise = 1
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = ITD
Message = Better than a sharp stick in the eye but not by much......I really
don't feel I have a right to complain though given what\'s happened to so
many others recently. I feel like I'm being "less screwed" than
the average employee if that makes sense. I realize it's
temporary though and my turn is coming. My morale sucks just like everyone
else's these days. -grayhair-
Comment 06/24/09:
Salary = 56k
Band Level = 07
Years Service = 09
Hours/Week = 45+
Message = Consistent 2+ performer. 1%. -Penetrated Low-
Comment 06/25/09:
Here's something to be armed with when your boss tries to give you some BS
about the ecomomy..... IBM's RECORD results for 2008. http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/26510.wss
So tell me again boss, why am I getting such a pittance
of a salary? Especially when I'm a strong contributor to the SWG which was
up 11%, 8% adjusting for currency. -something
to THINK about-
Comment 06/25/09:
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 15
Div Name = GTS
Location = Australia
Message =
PBC = 2+
Raise = 1% -Anony-
Comment 06/25/09:
Salary = 69000
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = ITD Shared Services
Location = USA
Message = got a 2% raise, 2+ PBC, I am one of the lucky ones but than again
look how long I've been working for IBM and how low I'm paid, been in the
same band for 10yrs. At least for this month I have a job -I'm
Tired-
Comment 06/25/09:
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 6
Message = PBC 1, 3.5% putting me at 90% of band range ( according to manager
provided print out ). -NotInIndia-
Comment 06/24/09:
Band Level = 3
Years Service = 15
Div Name = ITS
Message = It's been 10 plus years since my last raise. I have been performing
with 2's on my PBC mostly... I've been asking for a raise for over 5 years
now and am not hanging on anymore. A shame I have to leave IBM because I cant
afford to even stay anymore. --Lost hope in IBM-
Comment 06/24/09:
Band Level = 10
Years Service = many
Message = PBC 1 1.5% -anonymous-
Comment 06/24/09:
Band Level = 9
Location = United States
Message = Just got my raise.. if you want to call it that... I am a Band 9
with a 2+ PBC.. A whopping 1.3% but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp
stick. I really expected nothing. -anonymous-
Comment 06/23/09:
1st Line Managers were given the go ahead to discuss the pay raises today.
Expect meetings this week for the news. -NotInIndia-
Comment 06/23/09:
Band Level = 07
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 07
Message = Had my salary chat with my manager today 1 PBC, performer and only
got 2 1/2 % increase. -Tony-
Comment 06/21/09:
Pay raises anyone? Roughly translated > You clowns aren't going to believe
just how much money I am going to make this year! Good luck getting yours!
-Mr Ziffel-
Comment 06/21/09:
Salary = 48k or so after the 15% cut I was given last year.
Band = 6
Yrs with India Business Machines = 9
Div = 07 - Global Services.
Last year I was given a $99/month raise. I see that Bluepages compensation
pages are now locked down so I assume I'll find out this week whether I get
a raise or, more likely, not. If I do, I suspect it will be $100 or less a
month again. Biggest salary movement I've ever had with IBM is the 15% pay
cut to offset the O/T lawsuit payout. -Joe
Random-
Comment 06/20/09:
-RTP Average Joe- Well, your manager, or your division's
HR partner, is the best source of info (or misinformation) on this topic.
My comment is just my personal understanding and opinion, and doesn't represent
IBM policy (obviously).
SO, my comment:
- Your chances of a pay-rise are *best*, immediately when you are promoted.
That's my experience - I was promoted midyear, with a
pay-rise at time of promotion AND another increase at the next yearly corporate
increase date. The second increase was aligned with the new band. Unfortunately,
I was RA'ed less than 12 months after that... - Your chance of an increase
may be better than average, if:
your compensation is at or below the midpoint of your job role + band + location
pay schedule, AND your appraisal (PBC) is quite strong.
- If your compensation is *above the midpoint*, then your chances of an increase
are lower still. In addition, some have found that their appraisal drops after
a promotion. That wasn't my experience; however if this does occur, then the
likelihood of an increase is again reduced. -Reply to -RTP Average
Joe-
Comment 06/19/09:
So has anyone heard of what raise they are getting? Or is dumba$$ management
too damn "busy" or embarassed to tell yet? Or is everyone scared
to disclose? -anonymous-
Comment 06/19/09:
If your salary pierces the band you are in... Does this mean you cannot get
pay raises (even if you are a 1 or 2+)? -RTP Average Joe-
Comment 06/18/09:
Work in SWG. Was told by my manager I'm headed for a "3".
The consensus is they are prepping for a 4Q RA program. Been through this
before, tired of it, the humilation and ibm's sleezzzball tactics. Hard/quality
work not appreciated. BS visability(if you like to
talk, dance and pitch) is appreciated , no matter what you ultimately produce.
-PleasePutMeOutofThisMisery-
Comment 06/18/09:
Don't feel bad if you are not 1 or 2+ performer. From my meeting
with my manager, the raise is only range from 1-2%. -anonymous-
Comment 06/18/09:
If you were organized under a Union contract that you Voted
to; you would know exactly what your raise was going to be. Every year for
the length of the contract. You would know exactly how you would be appraised
if any performance bonus raises were due. If you did not understand your Union
Reps would explain it to you slowly and carefully until you did understand.
Not just spout a bunch of jumbled numbers at you with flip charts. You would
not have to come to a website hoping someone might know what your raise is
because you don't. Then when you get it ,if you get one at all, then you would
not go away from the website feeling sick to your stomach because everyone
else got more then you or the exact same thing as you . So much for paying
for performance. Sheesh. If everyone gets the same 1 percent then everyone
may as well be organized and negotiate 3 percent. Or 5. Hell shoot for the
moon and have cost of living plus 1 percent. Be the Biggest raises IBM gave
out in 20 years. Once again it sounds like "All for Sam and you and yours
be damned." -Exodus2007-
Allance Reply: Bumper stickers anyone? Good one Exodus2007. We like it.
Comment 06/18/09:
Salary = 73000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Canada
Message = I would find it interesting to have a summary of the job family/salary
and market ranges. This would be a good addition to the band/salary info.
-ibm_in_dark-
Comment 06/18/09:
Band Level = 7
Message = Everybody knows "what" ol Sammy really is. Lets praise
the company because we are giving raises. Lets not mention all the families
we have hurt over the years with all the layoffs. Lets not mention that. What
about all the years I busted my butt and got no raise? It had nothing to do
with job performance because I was performing like hell. If you really want
a raise, the only way is to put a union in place. Otherwise your raise will
be a joke like the very few I had, pennies. -gone_in_07-
Comment 06/18/09:
Raises in Canada will be delayed until after July 1st due to
"special circumstances". Note went out to second lines (I have an
"in"), that due to these circumstances raises will be delayed in
Canada. Second line indicated that this means layoffs. -Anonymous-
Comment 06/17/09:
I work in SWG in RTP, it's odd. I've never heard one peep out
of management with regard to salary adjustment this year. The silence is deafening,
just like the layoffs this year. I'm starting to see a pattern.
-RTP-Guy-
Comment 06/17/09:
this year, no exception. performers 2+ and 1 get between 1%
and 3%. -Anon-
Comment 06/17/09:
When is everyone around the globe going to realize that IBM
pays it's employees poorly, especially in India. How can IBM justify paying
an employee in India like 1/4 the amount of what a like worker doing the same
exact job in the USA? If the Indian IBMer moved to the USA I bet their adjusted
salary would still be extremely low and not even competitive in the USA. That's
exploitation. That is why IBMers need a global union for a global company.
-anonymous-
Comment 06/17/09:
"..90% chance you will be the same Band.." Gee,
10% will get a promotion??!. That sure seems high to me! Maybe less than 5%
is what I think even if it is in the lower bands.. Of course those getting
promoted will get a crap raise and also can bet on a lower PBC rating this
cycle.
-anonymous-
Comment 06/16/09:
It's official, no Market Based Adjustment this year. Excerpt
from w3: In 2009, while the MBA remains one of our key compensation elements,
benchmarking surveys shows a flatenning of pay or slowing of overall pay levels
in most markets this year. As a result, there will not be MBA funding in this
year's program. So only PBC 2+ or 1 *MAY* see anything via TCR, no guarantee
they may see anything either. -Anon-
Comment 06/16/09:
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Senior Consultant
Div Name = 16
Message = Rumors abound on promotions for this year's cycle. Apparently promotions
will be few and far between if you were going to get promoted to Band 8 and
above. 90% chance you will be the same Band with a higher PDF level and receive
a script IBM managers recieved about business conditions to make you think
its OK. -gbs_7-
Comment 06/15/09:
-I heard one employee who was told they were getting a $25 a
month raise, that is about $9 a day period, but still counts toward the 60%
of employees getting raises - $25/month = $9/day? not quite - try just
over $1 a day (assuming a 5 day work week @ 4 weeks a month). anyway, $25
can rather significant if you're making $30K/year. but rather insignificant
if you're making $70K - it's all relative, and still better than nothing I
guess
-anonymous-
Comment 06/15/09:
For -GoBlueMgrs- Managers will make decisions the old fashioned
way. When in worry, When in doubt, Run in circles, Scream and shout, If any
blame should come your way Fire someone making higher pay. -Exodus2007-
Comment 06/15/09:
I work in Integrated Supply Chain, and no one in our area, 5
managers in our area, has talked to any employees about salary, raises, lack
of raises, nothing. Simply pretending they missed salary planning thinking
no one will notice! The IBM "head in the sand" routine is alive
and well. I plan to ask my manager exactly what is going on, in plain language.
I will post what I hear. -What's happening?-
Comment 06/15/09:
Band Level = 07
Years Service = 25
Div Name = IGS
Message = "...PBC 2+ not eligible for promotions, is that normal?"Yep.
Even PBC "1"'s don't get promoted. If you want to get promoted sell
your soul and get into IBM management and then make sure you always kiss the
right butt. I have been a PBC "2+" the whole time and I've been
in the same band for 12 years so go figure what it really takes to get a promotion
in this Big Blew. -nopromos-
Comment 06/14/09:
I heard one employee who was told they were getting a $25 a month raise, that
is about $9 a day period, but still counts toward the 60% of employees getting
raises -Frank-
Comment 06/11/09:
Salary = 67000
Years Service = 3
Message = PBC 2+ not eligible for promotions, is that normal?
-Starting to see the lite-
Comment 06/11/09:
To WeShouldAllFeelGood - Sam did indeed say raises to 60% of
the workforce. However, did you look at the proportion of the US to non-US
workforce? The US is by far NOT the majority of the IBM workforce, and while
I'm sure there are those in the US who will get raises, he could give that
entire 60% of the workforce raises to non US and still not be lying. There's
lying and then there's going with non full disclosure. -RAed in
Jan-
Comment 06/10/09:
Salary = 77000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 5 w/IBM 20+ overall
Hours/Week = 45-50
Message = IBM doesn't value experience outside it's own walls - pay is only
based on length of time in their respective band and length of time in that
particular job role. That said, there is NO incentive to advance in this company
- it's shocking. -Growing tired of it......-
Comment 06/01/09:
Salary = 74K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Development
Years Service = <5
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = STG
Location = NC
Message = Wondering if the archived data on this site shows how salary increases
have changed in North America in the last five years. Seems to me that they've
trended lower since I joined IBM. I might just be disgruntled, but I'd love
to hear if the data backs me up. -E.D.-
Comment 06/01/09:
"I've been here 5 yrs. Only gotten one miniscule payraise which amounted
to about $50 per pay period before taxes. I'm glad to have a job but how does
one make more money in this company? -Confused-"
The way to make more money is to work for another company. Use IBM to
learn, gain experience, as a stepping stone, and resume bullet item, and move
on. If you are "good" with self confidence in yourself, you will
be able to find something else that is better. Too many people are too afraid
to venture out of the blue sweat shop -been there-
Comment 06/01/09:
I'm glad to have a job but how does one make more money in this company? -Confused-
:
Then try to make more money: get out of tech. IBM doesn't pay
for skills anymore. Sell your soul into IBM management paths. Management still
makes money in IBM even if you don't even know much about Microsoft Office!
(but being a Powerpoint user sure helps). You might have to become a professional
brown noser to do it and be savvy enough to kiss the right a$$. Otherwise,
you will be extremely lucky to make band 8 and be paid in the 70'sK range
which is way under the midpay for the band no matter what your PBC are if
you can survive the RA's that are common each business quarter in IBM USA
now. -donewithBlue-
Comment 05/31/09:
Salary = 65K
Band Level = 07Q
Job Title = Windows engineer
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 24A
Location = South US
Message = I've been here 5 yrs. Only gotten one miniscule payraise which amounted
to about $50 per pay period before taxes. I'm glad to have a job but how does
one make more money in this company? -Confused-
Comment 05/29/09:
"They should get rid of a lot of the top heavy management" Nah!
Promote more to management and lavishly reward them some more based on stock
price. After all IBM only promotes the best to management. IBM rewards performance
of their best performers and they generally are managers these days. Without
management then how could IBM make the RA decisions? -GoBlueMgrs-
Comment 05/29/09:
They should get rid of a lot of the top heavy management. They make a lot
more than any of us every did, all over 6 figures. Even first line. My manager
had a BMW Z3 and a brand new Lincoln town car. He had more in cars than my
house is worth. Another of my managers had a new 30k Mustang which he ran
from police across a corn field only to find they were waiting for him on
the other side after he did 5k damage to it trying to get away. These managers
are morons and make way too much money and they are supposed to be managing
me? What a joke. -Gone_in_07-
Comment 05/28/09:
They keep making up reasons to delay the raises year after year. Align with
the six-month pay cycle of the sales teams. WTF? This is NOT THE REAL REASON
OR TRUTH IBM! Last year they didn't have to align pay with the sales teams.
Why now? If you believe IBM has to now align the pay cycle I can convince
you the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Maybe next year IBM will
delay the raises a year or more or do away with them altogether. Pushing back
the raises another month gives Sam and the posse some extra $$$ for the Armonk
coffee fund or they use the month HOLDBACK of the raises for an installment
of paying off those two new $70M jets for Slammy boy.. So now, say, if you
get a 2% raise it really is effectively a 1.917% raise for the year now .
People: do yourselves more than a favor. Get a contract. A contract that stipulates
who, how and exactly when you get a raise. No contract = everything at will
for the employee. -anonymous-
Comment 05/27/09:
Remember, Sam said: "Further, our salary increase
plan will continue, covering about 60 percent of our workforce. As always,
increases will go to our highest performers and contributors. We should all
feel good about the company's ability to invest in people in these very concrete
ways."
http://www.businessinsider.com/2009/1/ibm-ceo-big-employee-bonuses-coming-this-year-if-you-kept-your-job-ibm
-WeShouldAllFeelGood-
Comment 05/27/09:
Div Name = IBMUS
Message = NO RAISES THIS YEAR FOR 2 PERFORMERS. That's a mandate. Not subject
to management discretion.
1 and 2+ performers will get a small raise (1%-4%), whether or not they are
over their market reference point or paid over their band's salary. Emphasis
this year is on TOP contributors. The rest of us should be grateful to just
have a job (rolling eyes). So, in January 2010 when your manager tries to
sell you that a '2" is a good rating, just remember that a "2"
is the new "3". Oh, executives will not be getting a raise this
year either. They'll just cash in their stock options on the backs of fired
employees. When a man tells you that he got rich through hard work, ask him:
'Whose?' Don Marquis -anon-
Comment 05/26/09:
Posted on w3: Salary increase effective date moves to July 1 For eligible
employees The effective date for salary increases for eligible employees will
move to July 1 from June 1 this year in nearly all countries to align with
the six-month pay cycle of the sales teams. If you are receiving an increase,
your manager will notify you when to expect it in your pay statement. Managers
will discuss salary with all employees between late June and early July. If
you have any questions, please speak with your manager. -dotcomslug-
Comment 05/26/09: http://w3.ibm.com/news/w3news/top_stories/2009/05/cl_us_salarydate09_art.html
The effective date for salary increases for eligible employees
will move to July 1 from June 1 this year in nearly all countries to align
with the six-month pay cycle of the sales teams. If you are receiving an increase,
your manager will notify you when to expect it in your pay statement. Managers
will discuss salary with all employees between late June and early July.
-SWGRTPer-
Alliance reply: Thank you for the information. The link you provided is an
IBM internal, intranet link. Remember: While you are viewing IBM internal
links from your workplace computer; DO NOT access Alliance@IBM's web site
for any reason. IBM is watching you and you could be fired for using company
resources for non-IBM purposes. Don't do it. Fight IBM and follow the rules.
You are all better than IBM. Stand up and organize! Want to know the rules
of engagement? Ask us: Contact
Alliance@IBM
Comment 05/26/09:
When R we getting that raise? Haven't heard a peep about it. -anonymous-
Comment 05/24/09:
Salary = 101K
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 16
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 07
Message = I proactively left the company this month. Update your resumes,
set up job agents on all the major sites, network, and consistently explore
opportunities outside of IBM. Always be prepared to leave, because someone
else may make that choice for you. -adios IBM-
Comment 05/20/09: To
Disgruntled: if you scroll down this page to a post dated 1/17/09, you will
see the Salary Survey; it shows all the bands and how much people are actually
paid. The info comes from folks like you who actually reported their salary
on this website.
For Band 7, it shows 147 people responded, the average salary is $70K with
a standard deviation of $12K, and the range (min/max reported) is $45K .to
$110K. So if you are a Band 7 and only making $36K, something is not right.
To the Alliance: you should make this salary survey info a "sticky"
on top of the page, so it's more visible. -Anonymous-
Comment 05/19/09:
To Starting to see the Lite- Something is whack with
your payscale. I'm around $51,000 as a band 7 after ten years at IBM doing
everything from techie stuff to operations to admin work with PBCs of 2+.
If you're being accurate and someone actually brought you in at that high
a pay rate, you're never going to see a raise at IBM. Ever. They would consider
you grossly overpaid for your band at this point.
Disgruntled - that doesn't make sense even for IBM. Something
is way wrong - either you're not a band 7 or you're missing something in your
pay calculation. Are you maybe working a 12hr AWS and getting inconvenience
pay that you're not counting in? Or maybe getting a night shift bonus?? What
kind of work are you doing? Have you checked your "About You" for
your band info? -UnderpaidBand7-
Comment 05/18/09:
Salary = 65000
Band Level = 6
Message = that is all. -Brian-
Comment 05/18/09:
to Disgruntled You can easily find out what your official
band just by viewing your personal info in w3. (assuming your in the US) http://w3.ibm.com/hr/us
Under the Employee Topics tab, under Money - Click on About
you: compensation. Log in with your IBM ID and password haha, oh well, their
website is busted right now and I can't do the full walk-through. Gotta love
it. Anyway, when the site is up, poke around your personal info in w3 - band
levels are fully documented -anonymous-
Comment 05/18/09:
Disgruntled: Ask your manager for your 2009 Total Cash Summary
Statement (TCSS) which HR supplies or can supply. If your manager doesn't
supply it for you then the best you can do at this point is submit a Confidentially
Speaking case to HR. The TCSS has the salary range (lowest to highest) for
your band 7 position about 2/3 down the page (hopefully your manager is honest
and doesn't dither with the lowest range figure in the TCSS after it is generated
by HR). I have a strong hunch you are not band 7 despite what your manager
is telling you, and if you are indeed band 7, 36K is way too low, obscenely
so at any PBC rating. Your case is a clear reason the Alliance is stressing
the need for a contract so salary and position abuses like what has befallen
you will not happen in IBM. -anonymous-
Comment 05/17/09:
Salary = 36k
Band Level = 7
Message = Is there an *OFFICIAL* breakdown of the salary ranges for each band?
My manager tells me I am a Band 7, however I am only paid 36K annually. I
cannot believe that a Band 7 ranges all the way down to 36K. They refuse to
give me a raise despite consistent PBC 2+ ratings. Any official info on actual
band salary ranges? -Disgruntled-
Alliance reply: That is just plain disgusting. Check out our salary
comments archives and also scan through this comments section as well.
There should be Band+Salary "range" data that was submitted to us,
anonymously. It is not the COMPLETE range; but rather an ad hoc assessment
of the salaries and their range that were accumulated on this comment section.
On a personal note: My IBM base salary in 2002 for a Band 5 (Test Engineering
Technician/mfg.engineering) was $47.5k/year. IBM is clearly abusing you. Have
you ever thought about organizing in your area? See the comment below, regarding
a contract. It was taken from the Job
Cuts Comments section.
Comment 05/17/09 (from jobcuts):
When will people get it? The only time to say
'Shame on you" is when the IBM contract negotiators ask the Union contract
negotiators why they insist on something in the contract and the Union negotiators
say, "Shame on you for screwing the employees on this issue for years."
Now the employees require it be defined in their contract.
This is how people "Survive" without a union. They come up with
a project and a process that screws everyone else that they are in charge
of so it makes a name for them and they survive as long as their project survives.
Its called every one for themselves. As long as you resist embracing the concept
of joining with your coworkers for the common good, this is the work environment
that you create. If its not your project you're screwed. If you do not have
managements ear you're screwed. You may be right. You may be the smartest
. You may be the youngest. You may be the oldest. You may be a man or a women.
You may be the hardest working but you're still screwed. In business you get
what you negotiate. That is the very first thing they teach business majors.
The second thing is an oral agreement is not worth the paper its not written
on. When negotiating get everything in writing. A wink and a promise are no
good. Remember IBM told people when they retired all medical would be taken
care of. Not in writing. Not taken care of. Stop expecting a Disney ending
to employment at IBM or any other company for that matter. And they lived
happily ever after does not happen in the real world. What does happen is
"And they sued the pants off of their employer for breach of contract
and won a fair settlement". The key word is contract. Only with a contract
can you "Shame " IBM. As in, They breached the contract and its
a shame we had to sue them. Now we got what we were owed and a penalty to
boot. They could have saved the stockholders a fortune by following the contract.
IBM will continue to sidestep laws like Cobra reductions, WARN and any other
law they can sidestep. This is what corporations do to save money. What smart
employees do to protect their jobs and families' security is they negotiate
and work under contracts. As most employers will not have a contract with
a single employee unless you have crazy mad skills that few, if any, people
in the world have; then your only chance to have a contract is by jointly
negotiating a contract with your co workers. -Exodus2007-
Alliance reply: Well said. We agree with you.."When will people get it?"
We hope sooner than later. Thanks Exodus2007 for your support and wisdom.
It is welcome here anytime.
Comment 05/14/09:
I have heard that IBM has delayed salary planning "indefinitely".
This way, when Sam said 250,000 IBMers will get raises, he is not fibbing.
The delay is IBM's way off getting us, but they can still report to the world
"we are giving our employees raises"....maybe years from now as
a delay lets them manuver any way they want. -anonymous-
Comment 05/14/09:
to -Starting to see the Lite- How about $60'sK for band 08 after
the 15% pay cut or as IBM likes to call it: pay remix. I know it's fact. It's
me. In fact, I'm off the low end of the pay grid for base salary now for Sr.
I/T Specialist despite 20+ years in the biz and PBC 2 and 2+'s along the way.
What can I say? IBM pays crap now. -anonymous-
Comment 05/13/09:
To -Hula Girl- IBM doesn't care that they aren't competitive in the
market anymore. Wait, let me say it like this - IBM doesn't care that they
aren't competitive in the US market anymore. They're focusing on cutting US
labor costs period. If you decide to quit for a higher paying job elsewhere,
it's no sweat off their back as that's one less pay check they have to cut,
and your workload can go to India for a fraction of the cost. As most of us
are underpaid for our skill sets at IBM, I've seen the opposite at IBM, with
a lot of 15+ year people being WAY over paid for their lack of skills. You
can pretty much bet anybody with 15 or 20 years of service with IBM is most
likely a Band 8 employee, and making upwards of $90-$110K (maybe minus that
15% cut from last year and depending on their geogrpahy). I work with some
of these "elders" and they simply can hardly perform any aspect
of their job 1) without being asked 20 times to do it or 2) without being
told HOW to do it. -anonymous-
Comment 05/13/09:
To confused, retroactive? Now that did give me a chuckle. By delaying
raises 2 or 4 weeks IBM saves millions they can use for exec compensation.
When they first went to giving everybody a raise at the same time we used
to get raises in April or May (can't remember which). It gets pushed back
and none of us can do a thing about it. Next year they might push it back
even further. We are at will employees with no contract. -Long
time Beemer-
Comment 05/13/09:
to -Starting to see the Lite- I
dunno, $67K for a band 6? That's pretty high for that band I think. I know
quite a few band 8s that are in the 70s (after the wonderful reclassification
in Feb 2008). --
Comment 05/13/09:
Salary = 53K
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 10
Message = I was RAed in 2009. After the reclassification (cutting 15%) and
a lack of pay increases over much of my time at IBM, I was effectively making
less than when I had started (considering inflation, gas price increases,
and the economy, MUCH less). I have interviewed for a couple of positions
now in other companies. For someone with my experience performing the same
type of work, I am finding that other companies are offering $75K-125K. I
knew that IBM was paying much too low in comparison to the market, as I looked
into jobs within the past two years that also payed within that range. I was
just too meek and scared of change to finally make the move out of IBM. The
fact is that IBM is paying many of its people way below what they could be
making elsewhere, and they are doing their best to reduce the costs everyday
beyond that. The new GDF positions are coming in at Band 3-5. They will send
those jobs overseas as soon as they can, though. -Hula Girl-
Comment 05/13/09:
I also heard a rumor locally that the effective date for raises this year
is July 1, with first check you will see it being July 15. -FellowGrunt-
Comment 5/12/09:
It is highly likely that they are deferring raises
until after the next layoff exit date. If the same pattern is followed for
Jan/Feb and Mar/April, the next round will be notified somewhere around May
21-23 with exit date before the end of June. They like to cut out the last
week so you really don't get full month salary. -annonymous-
Comment 5/12/09:
Salary = 67000
Band Level = 6
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 46
Message = I have not received a pay raise my entire tenure; story is the same..Market
value blah blah blah. Waiting to hear the story this
year, during a time of record profits. -Starting to see the Lite-
Comment 5/12/09:
-better_late_than_never- I thought we
should see our raise by 6/15/09 paycheck. Last year I got it on 6/15. If it
is July 1st or later will it be retroactive? -confused-
Comment 5/11/09:
Based on unconfirmed rumors, it appears US raises
will be determined by July 1st -better_late_than_never-
Comment 5/10/09:
While it's true that anybody scheduled for RA
is unlikely to get a raise, it's too broad to say that a PBC 2+ not getting
a raise indicates an impending RA. I'm not saying this in defense of IBM -
in fact, just the opposite - they will be ever too willing to freeze the salaries
of us grunts whom they choose to retain, not just those they don't.
-wondering-
Comment 5/10/09:
If you are a PBC 2+ and do not get a raise then.
WATCH OUT. You are probably going to get RA'ed. IBM is not going to give a
raise to someone pegged for an RA this year. You think IBM wants to increase
your severance by giving you a raise now then? -anonymous-
Comment 5/09/09:
Those lucky to get a raise other than 0% this
year in North America will most likely see less than last GDP doled out for
2007 despite IBM's record 2008 results. Also, PBC "2" will not see
many raises at all. A PBC "2+" also does not even guarantee a small
raise. Time for a union contract with pay raises specified? -anonymous-
Comment 5/07/09:
At our weekly staff meeting today, management
indicated none of us will be receiving raises this year. Guess we don't have
any of the 250,000 people that Sam said would receive a raise. And no, it
isn't crass to wonder whom is going to get raises this year. We lost 30% of
our department back in January and have been buried with projects ever since.
We're putting in our solid time each week, but projects continue to fall through
the cracks. The staff is finally waking up. We're overloaded with tasks and
management makes no move to help bring in assistance (not that we expect it
anymore). People are beginning to verbally voice their frustration in the
office and are sick and tired. Now I just wish more of them would sign up
for the union! Most of them are too nervous and scared after the way management
rules by fear. -anonymous-
Comment 5/05/09:
-wondering- I hear you!
BUT (also not intending to be crass) since IBM can just RA thousands each
month with impunity then why should they be so generous to support a salary
increase plan? After all IBM needs to stay competitive in the global economy
and IBM considers most USA employees overpaid, underskilled and under educated.
I have heard through the grapevine that management and HR are so busy with
RAs that the salary plan cycle will be delayed this year. RAs and cost cutting
practices and policies take the utmost priority. Wouldn't it be great to have
a union contract spelling out when and how much your raise will be?
-anonymouse2-
Comment 5/05/09:
It's not crass to wonder - after all, if IBM is going to cut employees left
and right, they can at least compensate the ones the
keep. It would be another matter if they kept salaries in check and retained
their employees. Anyhow, it's now May 5 and the IBM Salary W3 page
still highlights the 2008 plan. My manager stated last week he has heard nothing.
Boggles the mind.
-wondering-
Comment 5/01/09:
Salary = 112000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Managing Consultant
Years Service = 4.5 with IBM
Hours/Week = 45+
Div Name = GBS
Location = DC
Message = 2+ Rating -Tuesday-
Comment 4/29/09:
-when does it end?- Q. So any word on
if there are going to be any raises in North America this year?
A. Not when thousands have lost and will continue to lose their jobs.
-anonymous-
Comment 4/28/09:
So any word on if there are going to
be any raises in North America this year? -when does it end?-
Comment 4/25/09:
Salary = 72,000K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = IGS
Location = Endicott
Message = The writing was on the wall that I was next to get cut when I started
working with PMs/SDMs/DPEs and Architects from India.. My last day is April
27, 2009. GoodLuck to all the co-workers still standing.... -anonymous-
Comment 4/24/09:
Salary = 100K USD
Band Level = Band 7
Job Title = systems analyst
Years Service = 7
Hours/Week = 45
Location = Boulder
Message = glad to be going -anonymous-
Comment 4/24/09:
Not optimistic , the plan is done. it
is pretty much plug and play over the last several years. all based on the
pbc rating which then is plugged into the algorithm and the numbers pop out.
manager has a little room but needs to meet the budget number that are sent
down
from above. your new manager will only execute the plan when he/she is told
to. -retired-
Comment 4/23/09:
Hey Alliance. It would be great to find
out who -Joe- is and open a labor charge to sting IBM with. If Joe is really
a Sr. Manager he is a way underpaid USA equivalent which is not surprising
for this IBM but for China he lives like one of the Chinese politbureau.
-anonymous-
Alliance reply: Yeah, it would be interesting to find out, and be able to
pursue that legally; BUT it would be a nightmare to prove legally and then
we'd also have to deal with the issue of whether it is illegal in China......
doubtful. We'll just keep organizing here.
Comment 4/22/09:
My current mgr is days away from full
retirement. I asked him what the deal was with salary plan and if he had already
finished the planning for the dept or if our new interim was going to get
that job....he said the input process had been delayed til sometime in May
or June, which obviously means that the raises, if they happen, will not be
on the same schedule as prior years. -Not optimistic-
Comment 4/21/09:
Salary = ~100K (USD) ~equ
Band Level = Band 9
Job Title = Senior Manager
Years Service = just join
Hours/Week = unknown
Div Name = not to mention
Location = Beijing
Message = Is the above package reasonable for Band 9 with 18 years experience?
Joe-
Alliance reply: Your information is insufficient to make any comparisons.
If you are in Management, you are violating US law
by visiting this site. We will not post any more comments from you, since
your title "Senior Management" indicates an IBM executive management
position. We suggest you cease and desist your visits here.
"This site is designed to allow IBM Employees to
communicate and share methods of protecting their rights through the establishment
of an IBM Employees Labor Union. Section 8(a)(1)
of the National Labor Relations Act states it
is a violation for Employers to spy on union gatherings, or pretend to spy.
For the purpose of the National Labor Relations Act, notice is given that
this site and all of its content, messages, communications, or other content
is considered to be a union gathering."
Comment 4/21/09:
Salary = 132000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Senior Architect
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = GBS 6C
Location = Silicon Valley
Message = I believe I am at the avg. point for my band, but quite below avg
considering my location in Silicon Valley. -blackandblue-
Comment 4/20/09:
I was just approached by a colleague
in regards to the 1+ year old job reclassification (exempt to non-exempt).
It appears he's trying to get another class action lawsuit going, but in the
"opposite" direction. He feels most of the people who were reclassified
and took a 15% pay cut are still performing job roles that fall under the
exempt category (team leadership roles, senior level support roles, etc).
-running_out_of_time-
Comment 4/20/09:
Salary = 250000 Rupees ($5,014.04 USD [courtesy of http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html
] )
Band Level = 4b
Job Title = operation analyst
Years Service = 1
Div Name = operations
Location = india
Message = hi -bailvan-
Alliance reply: Anyone know what the Band Level 4b is equal to here in the
USA?
Comment 4/17/09:
Yes, I know it's crass, but has anyone
heard anything about salary plans and raises? With all the firings taking
all the attention, has anyone heard anything about amounts and timing?
-Frank-
Comment 04/15/09:
As the furious debate increases over The Employee Free Choice
Act, it is important to remember: If the bill passes and is put into law,
workers will have the right to CHOOSE between the Secret Ballot and Majority
card sign. The Secret ballot WILL NOT BE "Done away with" as reported
by Matt Lauer of NBC's Today show (clip point 5:17ms) in a discussion with
Wal-Mart's CEO,
Mike Duke: http://tinyurl.com/dj4gv2
Also, take the time to review some videos from http://www.nobusters.org/,
a look from the inside of the methods that union busters use and what outrageous
amounts of money that companies will pay union busters in just a few short
weeks or months; As told by a former union buster. These videos are a prime
example of how low a company will stoop, to keep you from your rights as a
worker; to form and join a union.
The Employee Free Choice Act's passing is more important to working Americans
than ALL the bailouts to Corporate Execs, combined.
-Rick White
Treasurer, Organizer, Web Maintenance
and Health & Safety Rep
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org-
Comment 4/14/09:
Job Title = websphere admin
Years Service = 13
Hours/Week = 45
Location = boulder
Message = getting out soon -contractor-
Comment 4/02/09:
Salary = $79.682.40
Band Level = 08
Job Title = I/T Specialist - Sr.
Years Service = 24.9 years
Hours/Week = it don't matter
Div Name = 1K (MBPS? GTS?) does it matter?
Location = Southbury
Message = -LowPaidIBMer- maybe a little above average now for you
actually. I sincerely hope you don't see an RA soon. I would not wish an RA
from IBM on my worst enemy, honest. Stay off the radar so to speak if you
want to stay in IBM. BTW, some band 9's don't hit six figures. USA salaries
are going down quite fast now in this IBM. I know more than a few IBMers with
band 08 salaries no higher than the 80K's now.. My numbers are not a lie.
Promise. I'll be available for a lie detector test if ya can arrange and pay
for it :) Band 8 since May 1997...PBC "2+" performer for most part...
continually help band 9's and 10's with technical and not-so-technical issues.
Can't get recognized. Can't get ahead. Tried salary review years' ago and
talked to my director about it and got no action. I am also a proud Alliance
member since 1999. If you haven't joined yet please do and stand with me for
all rank and file IBMers! --
Comment 4/02/09:
Salary = $102K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior ITS
Years Service = 7
Hours/Week = 40/week
Message = Average salary, really. -LowPaidIBMer-
Comment 3/27/09:
Lee and team: Are you seeing more employees signing up? If you're
reading this board, please consider joining Alliance. I did. It cost $10 a
month. -Proud Alliance Member-
Alliance reply: This week we gained 14 new members. 20 total for the month.
Thanks to our new members. Let's add some more!
Comment 3/27/09:
Salary = ~$90,000
Band Level = 07
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = 00
Location = NE
Message = Net loss income year after year for 4 years. Raises edge along inflation
line. Insurance and other expenses skyrocket. After resource action, hours/week
has increased 20%+. I am conservative when I say 50hrs. -Anon-
Comment 3/27/09:
Salary = 114000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Adv Software Engineer
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 40 - 45
Message = Just Browsing.. -Deep-
Comment 3/27/09:
Salary = 98.6
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 7h
Location = svl
Message = Std Software Engineer-T-
Comment 03/26/09:
Janie, $95K for a band 07 in Rochester? C'mon! -reality_chk-
Comment 03/26/09:
Salary = 95000
Band Level = 07
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = 00
Location = Rochester
Message = just surfing -Janie-
Comment 03/25/09:
To IBMerSearchingForGrowth: If you came from Rochester
MN you are being lied to. Go Figure. East coast has a much higher cost of
living then Mn. But what choice do you have but to accept it. No contract
no say sadly enough. -Exodus2007-
Comment 03/25/09:
Salary = 60k
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 16
Location = Fairfax
Message = GDP this year sucks. -Null-
Comment 03/21/09:
Salary = 100K
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Senior Consultant
Location = Beijing
Message = Beijing -Anonymous-
Comment 03/11/09:
Salary = 84K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Software Eng
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 40
Location = RTP, NC
Message = Hanging on -Still breathing-
Comment 03/11/09:
Job Title = Software Engineer
Hours/Week = +40
Location = East Coaster
Message = Does anyone know how geography affects pay when it comes to market
based adjustments? Like cost of living adjustment? I heard IBM ranks different
regions (not surprisingly Armonk is supposed to have the highest rating which
means higher pay). Every year since I started at IBM it\'s been the same old
story. I make too much for my band so no raise. I used to work in Rochester
but now live/work on the east coast. I\'d like to get an idea of what I should
be getting. -IBMerSearchingForGrowth-
Comment 3/10/09:
IBM chief's 2008 pay valued at nearly $21M - IBM says CEO Palmisano's
2008 pay valued at nearly $21M, barely higher than previous year (Headline
from March 9th AP article). Here is a link to the article: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/090309/ibm_executive_compensation.html?.v=2&printer=1
-MyThoughts-
Comment 02/25/09:
Salary = 80K
Band Level = 08q
Job Title = materials logistics advisory professional
Years Service = 31
Hours/Week = 40
Message = IBM -anonymous-
Comment 02/25/09:
Salary = $107K USD
Band Level = 8
Job Title = SDM/PM
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 55
Div Name = ITD
Location = Coast to coast
Message = Long time 1 and 2+ performer reduced to 2 this year. Bone-us = $2600,
which is an insult. "Should just be grateful to get it", my ass.
IBM should be grateful they can get someone with my expertise and work ethic
to work the hours I work for what they pay me. Before an IBM customer bought
my company in 2001, my bonus percentage was in the 12-15% range, with yearly
stock options as well. My youngest is going off to college in the fall and
I may very well have to give notice to IBM that I can no longer take call
or work long hours as it looks like I'll need to take a part time job while
my kids are overlapping in school to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of
living, insurance, and my kids' tuition. I used to think I was fairly compensated,
but those feelings have gone by the wayside over the past 3-4 years. My numbers
are already in the spreadsheet for salary averages, although it's been a few
years. -LowlySDM-
Comment 02/18/09:
Salary = 84,000 US dollars
Band Level = 9
Job Title = marketing
Years Service = 22
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = sales
Location = Canada
Message = Looks line salaries in Canada are lower than in the US
-flatliner-
Comment 02/13/09:
Today's Dilbert is apropos on corporations' lowering of employees'
salaries. http://www.dilbert.com/fast/2009-02-13/
-Deflated Salary-
Comment 02/11/09:
Salary = S$58K
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 58 hrs
Div Name = GTS
Location = Singapore
Message = Deprived from reasonable compensation (10+ years experiences with
BSc) -Anonymous-
Comment 02/11/09:
Salary = 2.90lacks per annum
Band Level = 6G
Job Title = associate system engineer
Years Service = .4
Hours/Week = 42.5
Div Name = Healthcare
Location = Bangalore
Message = nothing in particular -Anonymous-
Comment 02/01/09:
Salary = 90000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = SWG
Location = Singapore
Message = Hi, I'm in SWG in Singapore. Fixed Package (80%) = S$72,000. Sales
Commission (20%) = S$18,000. Total Package = S$90,000. Is this package reasonable
and will this be considered a low, mid, or high Band 7? All currencies quoted
in Singapore Dollars. -new ibmer-
Comment 01/31/09:
Salary = 105000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory PM
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 60-70
Div Name = SWG
Location = RTP
Message = Got 30 day to find a job, things are looking bad, no prospects of
job with-in. This was really 'shock and awe'. And Sam has guts to tell the
president that we need to create jobs; this is what he said a day after laying-off
thousands. Hypocrisy...is all I can; I suspect he is begging for his piece
of pie from the FED's relief funds, beggars can't be choosers, right?
-Sorry-IBMer-
Comment 01/30/09:
Salary = 35k €
Band Level = 7
Job Title = It specialist
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 40 minimum
Div Name = SWG
Location = Italy
Message = Today I approved the terrible salary incentive plan named 'Profit
sharing Bonus Plan'. My manager said me : if you don't accept this.. you will
go out!! So I lost 18% off my salary. My English is not good enough to explain
my sadness. Starting from next month my amount will be about 1500 € and
I have to pay 800 € per month for my small apartment near Rome city.
We are four: two children and my wife, she lost the job when became pregnant.
Now we only have my small contribute to survive. Thanks Palmisano good results!!
-hidden pls-
Comment 01/29/09:
JD travel time is considered time worked for exempt employee's.
As to how it is billed depends on the account. Sometimes it can be billed
or it can also be covered in expense overhead. it is wise to record all of
your time regardless if it is billable or not. -retired-
Alliance Reply: Hello Big Blue or is it John or
lifeisgoot? Did you think we didn't know who you were?
Comment 01/28/09:
Does anyone know that exempt's travel time is considered time
worked ( but off course not billable to client ) ? I think it does qualify
as time worked. Where does the money comes from to pay for these "additional"
expenese ? Which budget ? Department or practise pays for
it ? Client does not pay as that is not billable. -JD-
Comment 01/26/09:
Salary = 48k
Band Level = 3
Job Title = band 3
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 42
Div Name = 29, technology
Location = btv
Message = 20 years of 2+ or better 48k, not much huh, thanks big blue -btv4001-
Comment 01/26/09:
Salary = 83k
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Pre Sales Analyst
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 7H
Location = Costa Mesa
Message = Just got notification of a layoff on Jan 21, 2008 -Anonymous-
Comment 01/24/09:
Salary = 77K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = SW Engineer
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = SWG
Location = RTP
Message = -Mary-
Comment 01/23/09:
Salary = 83K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = Northeast
Message = -Jay-
Comment 01/22/09:
Salary = 130,200
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Engineer
Years Service = 29
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = S&TG
Location = Fishkill
Message = fishkill chip fab -Dont_hurt_me-
Comment 01/22/09:
Salary = $70k plus commission
Band Level = 6
Job Title = SW Sales Rep
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40+
Div Name = SWG
Location = NYC
Message = I got a raise last year from $68K to $70K, nothing amazing, but
with commissions I'll be making $100K+, so I'm not complaining too much. I
was one of the lucky ones not to get laid off yesterday, but in this "what
have you done for me lately" climate, I'm going to be cautious, I hear
a June layoff is just around the corner. -anonymous-
Comment 01/21/09:
Salary = 142500
Band Level = 9
Job Title = RSM
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = Research
Location = Yorktown
Message = Been in a very good group/department during my tenure at IBM. Now
I feel strong motivation for a job change. Staying at the current place starts
to limit my career development. -Look_for_change-
Comment 01/21/09:
Your GDP for IBM's record 2008 results is gonna suck in the
USA. The GDP pool is a tad less than less years. Go figure. -anonymous-
Comment 01/21/09:
Salary = 87000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = software engineer
Years Service = 7
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = currently STG
Location = work from home
Message = 5% raise when I was promoted to band 8 a couple years ago. A whopping
3 percent for the promotion and 2% for merit increase. Other raises have been
2.6%, 0, 3%. I was layed off in 2007 a year after being promoted to band 8,
with a 2+ rating, and with a CS PhD. I was one of the lucky one who found
an internal job within the 30 day notice. -workerbee3-
Comment 01/20/09:
I had a PBC rating of 2+ and still got laid off last year.
-Anon-
Comment 01/17/09:
Ladies and gents - This is probably the last salary survey I
am publishing: my manager has told me that I am on the layoff list. It will
be announced publicly after IBM releases the earnings numbers on Jan 20. From
talking to other colleagues , I understand that *some* managers have already
been dropping hints to the folks on the layoff list. If someone would like
to continue updating this salary survey, please send a note to phrl2009(at)yahoo.com,
and I will send you the Excel file I use. I have set it up such that all you
have to do is enter the data, and all the calculations are performed automatically.
Good luck to all the folks who will be laid off like me, and also to the folks
who dodged the bullet this time.
Band 2: 6 respondents, avg: $35K, standard deviation: $10K, range: (min/max
reported): $20K to $45K
Band 3: 4 respondents, $37K, std dev: $9K, range: $25K to $45K
Band 4: 16 respondents, avg: $48K, std dev: $12K, range: $32K to $69K
Band 5: 6 respondents, avg: $59K, std dev: $15K, range: $40K to $77K
Band 6: 76 respondents, avg: $56K, std dev: $9K, range: $37K to $79K
Band 7: 147 respondents, avg: $70K, std dev: $12K, range: $45K to $110K
Band 8: 130 respondents, avg: $96K, std dev: $16K, range: $55K to $140K
Band 9: 42 respondents, avg: $119K, std dev: $18K, range: $89K to $166K
Band 10: 12 respondents, avg: $146K, std dev: $24K, range: $107K to $190K
-Anonymous-
Alliance reply: Thank you for all the work you have done. We are very sorry
to hear you are being let go from IBM. Please send the
Excel file to allianceibmunion at gmail.com Take
care and good luck.
Comment 01/17/09:
Salary = 69k (includes overtime)
Band Level = 4
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = less than 20
Hours/Week = 45+
Location = Below the Mason-Dixon line
Message = Work and extra pay is where you find it. For SSR's, working a scheduled
weekend is an instant raise with a day off during the week.
Many of my coworkers are not willing to answer the phone at night or work
weekend projects. I view it as a pay raise for working the same number of
hours. A call out always means sleeping in the next day and getting paid for
it. Adjusting family time to ensure that major activites are scheduled on
days off takes only a minor amount of planing. As an SSR visiting customer
accounts it is always easy to handle non-IBM related items during the work
day. This company views me as simply a position not a person. We'll I have
no problem making the position I hold with the company pay me extra money
every year. -Volunteered for extra work-
Comment 01/16/09:
Salary = 66,000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Support Engineer
Hours/Week = 65 ("officially" 40)
Div Name = SWG
Location = Massachusetts, USA
Message = -Anonymous-
Comment 01/15/09:
Message = Sorry for making it unclear. CEE = Central & Eastern
Europe I can't really say I am underpaid, for the average income in the
region is way lower. However, for what I am doing, there certainly is room
for improvement. Quite a lot. This is fixed salary, no variable pay of any
kind. -CEE IBMer-
Comment 01/15/09:
Salary = $49K
Band Level = 6
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 5.5
Hours/Week = 50-60
Div Name = SWG
Location = Federal
Message = Pay is not good. -Sales Rep-
Comment 01/14/09:
-CEE IBMer- Gosh for a band 8 you are way. way underpaid! Is
this your non-exempt salary or exempt salary? I'm sure this is not including
any variable pay bonus either. If so, you are way off the low end of the pay
grid for prevailing competitive pay or whatever IBM calls it now. BTW, where
is CEE? Pardon me asking. -anonymous-
Comment 01/14/09:
Salary = S$69K
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40+
Location = Singapore
Message = Lots of bad news here it seems. Guess I'm just staying here due
to the crisis... -riversandlakes-
Comment 01/13/09:
Salary = 58k
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Certified IT Specialist
Years Service = 4+
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = SWG
Location = CEE
Message = It seems to me most of the people working @ IBM are in a sorry state,
myself included. Worldwide! The usual raises are in the range of 3 - 4 percent,
if that much. I am really sorry to hear that such significant cuts are being
planned by IBM management and think that Sam Palmisano should go in order
for the company to survive. His double digit growth target is hurting the
company more than anything else. My country IBM organization had a stellar
performance in 2008 exeeding the most optimistic revenue expectations that
management had. Yet, we are cutting down expenses, get no raises - all decided
at region level. I really hope something good will happen in the very near
future, otherwise the outlook is bleak, to say the least. -CEE
IBMer-
Comment 01/12/09:
Salary = 65K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Project Manager
Years Service = 5.5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 7T
Location = Home
Message = Every year except for two years, only 3% raise. One year was promo,
I got 6% the other year didn't get a raise. I am 2 and 2+ performer. Last
year, I had a 2+ rating and only 1.7% raise. Manager told me the average raise
in our department was only 1.3% raise and I should be happy about that. IBM
has the lowest salary raise structure. If you want to make more money, go
to another company then come back, if you still want to come back.
-Hopeforthebest-
Comment 01/11/09:
Salary = 91k
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior I/T Architect
Years Service = 28
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = IGS
Message = Wow, looking at the other band 8s on this board, looks like my salary
is lower than most.-tai mai shue-
Comment 1/11/09:
Repeat after me. The laws are not going to help me.
The elected officials are not going to help me. Even the union is not going
to help me. Untill me and 51 percent or more of my co workers help themselves
by joining the union and voting to be represented. When enough of us have
signed up for a vote to be forced to happen, then someone will help us force
IBM to be fair, save our jobs, protect our benefits and everything else we
wish would happen. WE WILL HELP OURSELVES. United we stand, Divided we fall.
One by one at IBM's will. At the time and place of IBM's choosing. One by
one we get shown the door. Not even allowed to say goodbye to people we worked
with 10,20,30 years or more. Put out like the trash and yet people still do
not organize. People still believe they are better off standing alone.
Better off pretending to negotiate benefits or payraises alone. You are not
and never will be better off alone. "But I'm smarter then TOM
and I'm faster then JOE and every chance I get I tell Management so"
Now I have my work and Toms work and Joes work to do and I did not get a raise
cuz it was too much to do. Tom and Joe got new jobs and seem happy to boot.
Who was smarter then who ? Now ain't that a hoot. Life sure was good with
Tom, Joe and Me every day. Wish we had unionized to keep it that way.
-Exodus2007-
Comment 01/11/09:
Salary = 72,000.00
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist - SYSADM Solaris
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 40 since OT has been removed
Div Name = SSO - Global Services
Location = Colorado
Message = Beware - IBM continues to rape their employees. After having taken
a 15% paycut due to Feb reclassification to non-exempt, now IBM is forcing
people who live less than 50 miles from one of the GDF facilities (in this
case Boulder) to commute to Boulder if they want
to remain employeed. This is a 100 mile a day commute which will figure into
at least another 7-10% cut in pay just to make the commute. Just another attempt
to make you walk away without any severance so that they can continue to offshore
American jobs. -Anonymous-
Comment 01/10/09:
Band Level = 07
Message = It figures that I get my first 1 PBC rating in a year when the pay
raises will probably be so small you'll need a microscope to see them. I'm
at the low end of the pay range for my band and will probably never get out
of it. -It figures-
Comment 01/09/09:
Salary = 113000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Sr IT Specialist
Years Service = 15.3
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = GBS
Location = CA
Message = Recently laid off. Raise were next to nil for the last few years
and the years when there were raises, it was because my manager was in a
good mood during my performance review. GBS has lost its good old IBM blue
a long time ago and thanks to Sam Palmissano, the rest of the
company will soon too. What kind of company/management would ask its workers
who were just handed a lay-off notice to increase their
utilization to 45hr/wk (no extra pay)? -ExIBMer-
Comment 01/09/09:
Salary = 65K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 50-60
Div Name = IGS
Location = Southbury
Message = Some of you are grossly over paid, especially the IT specialists.
If you are making that kind of money you have nothing to complain about. I
was with this company for 9 years, got zip for raises and variable pay was
an absolute joke. -Gone Now-
Alliance Reply: There is something to be said for
complaining about lack of job security; regardless of your salary. The main
thrust of Alliance's mission is to gain a seat at the bargaining table, with
IBM, and secure a contract and a better system of job saving methods than
IBM has today. Unions can't stop all layoffs; however, with a contract, unions
can have a say how the job cuts would take place and what conditions needed
to be met, to return those laid-off people to their job when the company began
to rehire. This is not pie-in-the-sky. It is reality with a union contract.
Comment 01/09/09:
Salary = 115000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 48.5
Div Name = 6C
Location = Work from Home
Message = Everyone is fearing RA this month. I work on an IGA Project. Funding
ends at the end of the month even though there is plently of work to do. No
answers from the SPM. It's a joke right now. -SysEngineer-
Comment 01/06/09:
Salary = 73500
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3.5
Hours/Week = varies
Div Name = GBS
Location = SouthEast
Message = Not including bonus -IBM Employee-
Comment 01/06/09:
Salary = 135000
Band Level = 10
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 100
Message = akjfd -Bobbi-
Comment 12/29/08:
Location : India
Salary : Rs 300000 per annum ~~ 6000 USD
Band : 6B
Years Service : 1
Job Title: Associate System Engineer
Hours : 40 per week
Unit : GBS - GD
Message: We are paid woefully. Almost every other company here pays more.
No pay rise . Last year they laid off around 5000 of the total
workforce of around 70000. This year I hear there will be a lot more here.
Happy New Year. --
Comment 12/24/08:
Salary = 166,000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = software engineer
Years Service = 30+
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = midwest
Message = IBM has been fair to me. -bittwiddler-
Comment 12/22/08:
Salary = 92K Base
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Accredited Sr. IT Specialist
Years Service = 3.5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = NY
Message = Left IBM couple months ago. Some people in Management team have
no idea of what they are doing, but I wouldn't say the whole company is bad
for that reason. For such a huge company there ought to be some bad apples.
I had very good manager all these years and as soon as my manager moved into
a new role, I moved away from IBM. -Ex-IBMer-
Comment 12/18/08:
Salary = 125,000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Program manager
Years Service = 27
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = CHQ
Location = Midwest
Message = 8 more years and countin' -Anonymous-
Comment 12/17/08:
Here is the latest salary survey. I did *not*
take into account a couple of entries that seemed to be abnormal (e.g., $170K
for a band
9, on 11/9; and $122K for a band 7, on 10/8). Hope this helps everyone see
where s/he stands.
Band 2: 6 respondents, avg: $35K, standard deviation: $10K,
range: (min/max reported): $20K to $45K
Band 3: 4 respondents, $37K, std dev: $9K, range: $25K to $45K
Band 4: 15 respondents, avg: $47K, std dev: $11K, range: $32K to $68K
Band 5: 6 respondents, avg: $59K, std dev: $15K, range: $40K to $77K
Band 6: 74 respondents, avg: $56K, std dev: $9K, range: $37K to $78K
Band 7: 143 respondents, avg: $70K, std dev: $13K, range: $45K to $110K
Band 8: 126 respondents, avg: $96K, std dev: $16K, range: $55K to $140K
Band 9: 40 respondents, avg: $118K, std dev: $17K, range: $89K to $152K
Band 10: 11 respondents, avg: $148K, std dev: $25K, range: $107K to $190K
P.S.: sorry for the long lag between the last survey (8/8)
and this one, but I have been very busy with personal matters. -Anonymous-
Comment 12/14/08:
Salary = 78000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Hardware Engineer
Years Service = 6
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = STG
Location = SouthEast
Message = My first line manager is a great manager. Too bad all the dips above
him suck. IBM will never become a decent place to work again until they begin
cutting jobs from "Senior VP" level down instead of "grunt"
level up. The morale is horrible and the only thing Sam and his cronies care
about is their pay, bonuses, and stock price. -Bob
Marley-
Comment 12/14/08:
Salary = 101400
Band Level = 8
Job Title = I/T Architect
Years Service = 15
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = ITS
Location = Midwest
Message = No longer with IBM. Proactively left. Upper management is what will
bring this company to it's knees. Too many layers of management and individuals
with manager titles and no direct reports. Lou Gerstner did a great job of
trimming the layers between you and the CEO. Palmisano has reversed that.
Company needs to lean out layers of management overhead. -Pete-
Comment 12/13/08:
Salary = 72,000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Advisory IT Specialist
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 45
Location = Canada
Message = for the poster below, 800,000 R is 20,000 canadian, which is about
one third of average band 6 pay here...so you understand why there is a hiring
boom in India, and also why there is a 70% turnover in staff. It appear you
guys in India have figured it out, get in, get some expierence, and get out
-paul-
Comment 12/13/08:
Salary = 46000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Systems Integration Specialist
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 45
Location = CT
Message = Just recently had a daughter that is only 3 months old and because
of my conversion from Exempt to Non-Exempt and the so-called cap my manager
tells me the customer wants to keep expenses down I can't afford to look for
a job as we can't afford day care and my wife needs to work too for us to
make ends meet. Now I make 2K LESS than I did when I was offered this job
back in 2000. I am also bracing myself for any Resource Actions that might
be coming for me with this new GDC initiative. Way to go IBM! What a way to
inculcate loyalty and pride in your workers. -Wants To Leave-
Comment 12/12/08:
Salary = 50000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Sourcing Analyst
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = Integrated Supply Chain
Message = I just wanted to contribute the stats and tell anyone thinking of
working for ibm to reconsider. This company by far is one of the worst when
it comes to employee satisfaction. I have spoken to many recruiters, who have
said the longer you stay at IBM the more compressed your salary will be come.
We all know this because they are a low payer and do not really give raises
due to "budget." I agree with many of the people here, I have a
job not a career. I will take the next reasonable job offer I get and vow
never to work for this terrible company! -Regretting this job-
Comment 12/12/08:
Salary = 64,500
Band Level = 6
Job Title = software engineer
Years Service = half year
Hours/Week = 30-50 depending on work load
Location = tx
Message = no idea what to expect in the later years, but just thought I would
contribute to the statistics -notme-
Comment 12/08/08:
Salary = 60300
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 46
Div Name = IGS
Message = 15% cut in pay and no raise for 2 years. -Anonymous-
Comment 12/08/08:
Quite a few folks have posted their salaries. Scroll down to
8/8/08 and you'll see the results of a salary survey. -Anonymous-
Comment 12/08/08:
I've posted my salary and 0% raise earlier in this forum. Why
don't more people anonymously post their salary and raise figures here just
to disprove the lie that IBM pays competitively? Don't say the reason is it
is against IBM policy to discuss salaries and raises. Why do you think IBM
has this policy? The reason why is they abuse pay practices amongst their
employees. -Anonymous-
Comment 12/05/08:
To "Regretting This Job": a lot of us are feeling
the same way you do. Why work ourselves to death for no recognition and no
raise? Some of our colleagues who are slacking off or "cruising"
will get the same appraisal rating that we do. I think the IBM execs have
completely lost touch with reality and don't realize how they're running this
company into the ground... -Anonymous-
Alliance Reply: They absolutely DO "realize
how they're running this company into the ground..". You could say it's
been a part of their plan since the 1990's, to run the USA part of their business
into the ground; but build up the rest of it in BRIC and other places. The
question is, do you want to do anything about it?
Comment 12/03/08:
Salary = 80,000
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 30-40. Used to work 60 until I realized there are no rewards.
Message = I came from a startup where working hard and being smart advanced
me quickly. In my first year, I worked my tail off, but did not receive raise
nor recognition. Now that it is clear that no raise or promotion will come
for several years, I don't work as hard and am,
frankly, pretty disillusioned. Since the only good thing about working at
IBM is the brand name (pay sucks and there is too much process and politics
to actually innovate), I plan to take the advice I have read, which is to
only stay at IBM 3 years and move on. Stagnant wages hurt me now, but also
depress my salary for the rest of my life. Unless something changes, I'll
take the next job offer that seems to move my career in the right direction.
In IBM, I don't have a career, just a job. -RegrettingThisJob-
Comment 12/01/08:
Job Title = RC
Years Service = 39.5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = IGS
Location = Chicago
Message = IBM contractor agency pay cut 11.5% effective 11/29!! I was IBM
RA's in 2000 after 32.5 yrs then retire sup for 5 yr. Now with Manpower. Anyone
know if all agencys were cut 11.5% (Tek Systems, Pomeroy, ?)? Manpower told
me 11.5%. Is that the real rate reduction by IBM? I have not been updated
by IBM management - YET. -Now Contractor-
Comment 11/30/08:
Anyone get a MBA (Market Based Adjustment) this year? Or a TCR (Top Contributor
raise/reward)? They gave them out in 2007. Guess it was a one shot deal. I'm
sure we will continue to feel the pinch due to the global economic downturn
giving Big Blew another way to mieser the GDP (growth driver pay) and 2009
raises. -anonymous-
Comment 11/23/08:
Salary = Rs. 8,00,000
Band Level = 6D
Job Title = Consultant
Years Service = 2.5
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = SAP
Location = India
Message = Any good ??? -curious-
Comment 11/19/08:
-traktor-: If you are getting annual 20% raises then
you are still way, way, way, way underpaid by IBM. How does it feel to be
a paid slave to them???
-anonymous-
Comment 11/19/08:
Salary = 23000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = it specialist
Years Service = 4
Hours/Week = 50
Location = Czech republic
Message = 2,2,2+,1 in past years... started at band 3 with 10k USD salary
and get steady 20% salary raise each year. -traktor-
Comment 11/12/08:
Bonus? Band 9? Gee, I don't see no bonus..and I can't get to band 9 since
my management are cheap bastards. -Anonymous-
Comment 11/12/08:
Salary = 1030000 ($21,203.20 US Dollars) currency
calc
Band Level = 7A
Job Title = Advisory technical services professional
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = IBM india
Location = Bangalore
Message = I want details on of this Band 7A -Anonymous-
Comment 11/11/08:
Salary = $56k after 15% cut
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Hours/Week = 40 after "remix", 50+ while exempt
Message = Consistent 1 and 2+ performer, but IBM never had the budget (yeah,
right) to even pay me at their below-average "midpoint". I stayed
solely due to the work from home deal, but when the lean and GR initiatives
starting proving that IBM now values low cost over quality and client satisfaction
I just couldn't take it anymore. -LongGone-
Comment 11/09/08:
Salary = 170000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Consultant
Years Service = 10+
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 5
Location = NY
Message = Not including bonus -Anonymous-
Comment 11/06/08:
Salary = 105000
Band Level = 9
Message = doesn't include bonus -Jimbo-
Comment 11/02/08:
Salary = 80K
Band Level = 08Q
Job Title = Sr I/T Specialist (exempt)
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = global service
Location = NE
Message = -401KWentBad- At least you are around your band midpoint. The range
for 595K family is from 68K to 138K for my geography. I reckon I will never
see the midpoint. They don't even give those MBA's anymore. That was a one
shot deal and another promise IBM broke to folks like me. -Anonymous-
Comment 10/31/08:
You cannot "sign up" for the new class action lawsuit against
IBM. There is no facility on the "secondwagecaseagainstibm" website
with which to do that. In the future, if you were re-classified to non-exempt,
you may possibly be asked if you'd like to become a member of the class, but
no one can "sign up" for anything on the website. -Anonymous-
Comment 10/31/08:
Salary = 111k
Band Level = 8
Job Title = SW Eng
Years Service = 27
Hours/Week = 50
Message = Band 8 salary range is "'The monthly market range within the
industry and local labor market for your job family and band is $5,982 - $12,146"
-401KWentBad-
Comment 10/30/08:
Job Title = LTS
Message = Do Long Term Supplemental's ever get pay increases through time?
Anyone out there know? -Anonymous-
Comment 10/30/08:
New Class Action Lawsuit against IBM, go to website and sign up if you
were re-classified to non-exempt http://secondwagecaseagainstibm.com
-Anonymous-
Comment 10/28/08:
Rumor has it, no promotions or raises (at least in Div 48) for the remainder
of 2008. Things 'may' change 1Q 2009. I was promised a promotion and raise
in 2008 and it looks like they really meant something else. Like if Sam didn't
cash in $74 million in stock this year. Glad he could make money for a job
not well done -Anonymous-
Comment 10/24/08:
Salary = 100000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = consultant
Years Service = 6
Message = hi -harshal-
Comment 10/22/08:
Just heard a new survey will be going out regarding the remix from last
Feb. Also that you may be offered an exempt position. Sounds like another
lawsuit -anonymous-
Comment 10/20/08:
To the person looking for salary info at IBM India: If you go to http://www.glassdoor.com
and register (it's free), you'll see that info. From what I can tell, a software
engineer there makes between 522K and 559K rupees/year, which would be equivalent
to about $11K, at today's exchange rate. So there is indeed a big difference
between Indian and US salaries. -Anonymous-
Comment 10/17/08:
Gotta love to know we are in tough times financially with IBM, but Mr
Sam is able to receive $74 million in sold stock this year. Yes. $74,000,000.
http://biz.yahoo.com/t/40/4114.html
-About to go insane @ IBM-
Comment 10/17/08:
Does anyone have information on the salary levels of the IBM India employees?
Also, what are the salary increase sizes of the India people as well. I hear
all types of rumors such as the equivalent of $2/hr etc...I'd like to know
what they're really getting. -anonymous-
Comment 10/16/08:
Just remember the salary at IBM greatly and excessively varies at the
same Band! I've seen 25K difference for ten people in the same Band, same
job, same department. -Egads-
Comment 10/13/08:
Anon - Unless your "B7" means something other than "Band
7" you're way off base. The most recent market range I have for my band
and job family is 2007 when the range was established at $43,164 - $87,060.
If you were adjusted up to $120,000 to be commensurate with your contemporaries,
then please tell me if we are talking about American dollars and what job
family you are in. -AnotherBand7-
Comment 10/09/08:
To "$122,000 Band Level = 7" Are you in ER (executive
resources)? Who do ya kiss? You're a top band and ya gotta be a PBC 1 and
walk on water and turn water in to wine. For band 7 this is quite high. Are
you a rocket scientist or something? Maybe you are a union buster or are related
to an IBM executive or something. Band 9's don't make your pay in this blue
sucking pig!!! If you are honest, sincerely believe me. But gosh most of us
couldn't get to your pay if we lived multiple lifetimes! -anonymous-
Comment 10/09/08:
Salary = 58K after pay remix
Band Level = 7
Job Title = 24A
Years Service = 25
Hours/Week = 45 max according to CLAIM
Div Name = IGS
Location = Boulder
Message = to Alliance reply to -Anon-: I'll say that guy's not in
the trenches with the rest of us!!! I'm a B7 and I make less than HALF of
what that joker makes. I'm now the only US resource left on my team (Global
Services) and I'm just waiting for the phone call from my
manager saying I'm the next victim. I just celebrated my 25th anniversary
and apparently my age is affecting my memory because I can't remember my last
raise (just the cuts due to the pay remix in Feb.) All that stock I've been
buying all these years has lost over 20% of its value in the past couple of
weeks...... -trench rat-
Comment 10/08/08:
Salary = $122,000
Band Level = 7
Hours/Week = 40 to 80 (rare)
Div Name = 05
Message = In the overall scheme of things I was the outlier at $110,000 for
B7 in previous comments. I have since received an "adjustment" up
$12,000. I know my coworkers are making the same as all B7's in my practice
received this. I personally know a B7 making close to $130k
with 2 years of experience. The self reported numbers on this site seem to
trend lower than actual averages. -Anon-
Alliance Reply: If you interpret the information you read in this comment
section as trending 'lower', then you must believe that people are lying about
how much they make or, you are semi-isolated by your level of salary. Either
way, it's possible that you are out of touch with those working in the "trenches".
Comment 10/01/08:
Salary = 65k (salary plus ovvertime)
Band Level = 4
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 48
Location = Texas
Message = SDM's already heavily engaged in cost cutting of expenses.
-Texas Two Step-
Comment 10/01/08:
Salary = 4,00,000
Band Level = 5
Job Title = Lead
Years Service = 2.5 year
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = F& A
Location = Bangalore
Message = Please let me know if the offering is justified -Anonymous-
Alliance Reply: Please tell us what your currency
is and what '4,00,000' is as a number. A guess would be that you misplaced
a comma.
As webmaster, I will adjust our form so that it includes a currency field;
so that we all can understand each other better.
If you wish; please tell us what kind of 'Lead'
you mean in the "Job title" field? That will help everyone analyze
your situation better, also.
Comment
09/29/08:
I just wanted to drop a little reminder. It may seem a bit off topic to
some of you but it's about your take home pay and standards of living. So
hopefully the moderator here will let this post ride:
The banks are tightening up on credit my friends. People that have stellar
credit ratings are receiving notices that their interest rates are going up
and their credit limits are being cut. Combine this action with your recent
pay cuts and well you know what I'm saying. The more
of your available credit that you are currently using, now more than ever,
the more you are going to pay a higher interest rate. If your credit card
companies overlooked your pay cut, don't be surprise if you receive notice
of the above changes soon. Good luck people. Keep your head down and may you
escape the next round of cut backs. -Spiderman-
Comment
09/29/08:
I spotted this site, http://www.glassdoor.com,
in a NY Times article on careers. Check out the comments about IBM on that
site. -Anonymous-
Comment
09/28/08:
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = 07
Message = IBM is on the move to reclassify those that were previously reclassified
as non exempt. They are reversing the remix. I was told
if I don't accept a move back to exempt that my job may move to India. I am
taking my chances and staying non exempt. -Beat Up-
Comment
09/28/08:
Folks: I hope you all are looking for other jobs. Even if you are the
"cream of the crop"; IBM's plan is to work you harder and longer
while keeping your real (inflation-adjusted) income on the decline. Until
that other job comes thru just chill out... come in a bit late, leave a bit
early, and don't work too hard while you are there ... Even if your manager
notices (and most will NOT notice) he has no "carrots" with which
to "incentivize" you wtih, and likewise his/here only real threat
is to let you go ... hey you knew (or should have know that would happen someday
anyway...) So don't worry be happy ... work 80 hours per week get perhaps
a WHOPPING 4% nominal raise (or perhaps not...) or work 30 hours and get a
few percentage points less.... If you need the extra 4% the way to guarantee
you get it is to start a business on the side; it doesn't matter what you
do... go mow the neighbor's grass... What ever you do will have more guranteed
impact on your personal "bottom line" than "investing"
the extra hours in IBM's goals. There is no guaranteed "ROI" you'll
get these days from IBM for extra effort invested in their goals. Further,
it has a really excellent chance of making you nothing but a bitter burned-out
shell that sits around wondering why your career and personal relationships
have turned to crap.
-Anon-
Comment
09/27/08:
Salary = $43K
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Oracle DBA
Hours/Week = 40 - 45
Message = Almost_Gone, hopefully I'm right behind you. IBM is grossly under
paying me for an Oracle DBA. After the pay cut, and no market based adjustment,
I've decided this was my last year with IBM. I can't afford to stick around
for another pay cut. My manager is great, but as you mentioned "powerless".
I have another job lined, but the manager has to wait for HR to make it official.
My new pay will be about a 50% increase, and better job security (federal
employment). -TimeAboutUp-
Comment
09/21/08:
the difference between a band six and a band nine in a similar assignment
is very small. welcome band 6 new hires. to the band 6 employee - my comments
as *comment*
* First, in 2006-2007, the pay range (band) for my job role changed within
a year, so that I went from 75-80% of target range, to 98% of target PAY (not
a range - a mid point), and thus wasn't eligible for a raise.
* Second, please know that IBM will set initial earnings 'high' (though not
competitive - so please don't think you were hired because you have a lot
to contribute- you were likely hired because you didn't have any other options?
true? * * ENJOY your tenure at IBM - KILL ME*
Last year, I was 2% above median... this year I am 25% above median. How is
that even possible to be more overpaid after 1 full year of inflation? I have
no idea where they get their statistics. A simple search on Salary.com definitely
doesn't come up with the numbers they are putting in front of me. So I finally
accepted a job offer and I'm about to tell my manager in the next few days
about leaving. Although I have made long lasting personal friendships in my
job at IBM, I know it's time for me to move on as I don't see myself growing
my career while sustaining any future financial needs. TRUE -no one
again-
Comment
09/21/08:
Salary = 50000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Inside Sales Representative
Years Service = 0
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Texas
Message = When I got hired on, I started at 50k. -Mottssauce-
Comment
09/18//08:
Salary = 67000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 45
Location = EFK
Message = I've pretty much had it with IBM... so I tried to "test the
waters" in my area to see what jobs might be out there. If anything,
I was shocked at how much lower IBM was paying me than the average of the
3 different job offers I got. All three were in the neighborhood of a 40%
raise! Every year, I run into different excuses for no raise, no funding for
training, no resources to help on projects. I mean, how are we supposed to
perform if we aren't given the support that we need to do the job? I actually
like my current manager, but I think he's really powerless with the entire
structure he is trying to function in. I feel sorry for my manager, he's actually
the best one I've had so far. Last year, I was 2% above median... this year
I am 25% above median. How is that even possible to be more overpaid after
1 full year of inflation? I have no idea where they get their statistics.
A simple search on Salary.com definitely doesn't come up with the numbers
they are putting in front of me. So I finally accepted a job offer and I'm
about to tell my manager in the next few days about leaving. Although I have
made long lasting personal friendships in my job at IBM, I know it's time
for me to move on as I don't see myself growing my career while sustaining
any future financial needs. Also, the new job has MUCH BETTER health care
benefits, something which I was surprised given that it's a much smaller company.
-Almost_Gone-
Comment
09/16//08:
Have you verified that you really did start high? Independently I mean. IBM
will tell you that you started high while starting someone else in your same
job at 5k a year more then you because a managers friend deserves more. An
old saying in IBM is how can you tell when a manager is lieing? Their lips
move. Another is the difference between wingtips and cowboy boots. With cowboy
boots the bullshit is on the outside. -Exodus2007-
Comment
09/13//08:
YES! That's the way ibm works. Don't expect anything special in the way of
raises. In fact, it would be best to not expect a raise at all. IBM does everything
in their power to ensure employees do not get any raises. They will come up
with all sorts of excuses, from "we didnt' hit our numbers", "you
are being paid more than the average" or"there is no extra money
in the budget". For 2009, I have heard they will be telling folks: "The
bar has been raised, if you were a 2+ worker last year, expect to be a 2 this
year". Every few years their strategy changes, but the net results are
the same...you will not get any raise, or if you do, it will be 1%. If you
want to grow your salary, you're at the wrong company. Don't stay here if
you are thinking you'll get any sort of better treatment in the future. This
company has operated the same for the past 2 decades now. The only folks who
see any sizeable raise are the executives, and they fatten their salaries
by cutting back on salaries for the little guys. -miss understanding-
Comment
09/11/08:
Salary = 69000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Developer
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40
Location = Toronto
Message = I worked for 3 years and a few months so far. The only raise I had
was the one after the 9 months probation. I think that my salary was started
high but then it stayed the same. I was expecting some raise after 3 years
but didn't get any as my salary is supposed to be 1% higher than average.
I find it weird the way it works. I think it would be more motivating to get
regular raises (even if started at a lower salary - and having less money
in the end). Is it a normal practice at IBM to start high then no changes?
Anyone else started high and then stayed at the same salary for several years?
-z-
Comment
09/10/08:
To Anonymous at ONLY 45K for a band 7 promo: Not sure I can say CONGRATS
to you or not. Gosh did they screw you over!!! Well, at least for this PBC
cycle you are a "2" (they wouldn't promote you if you were a "3"
(or can they?)). But IBM will save even more money on you now since your GDP
will be crap. Your promo raise + your GDP might be less than if you still
were band 6 with a PBC "2+" or "1" since the GDP could
be much more! Next PBC cycle better watch ya back. Since they "raised
the bar " on you you could very well be a PBC "3" in 2009.
Then ya got a big bullseye on ya back. Movin' up and possibly movin' out.
Yeah, forget HR in IBM. They only spout the company line and protect the company.
That's why Mr. MacDonald is such a rich bastard now with stock options he
is exercising like mad. With a union we would stop this obscene lowballing
of pay. That's why trade unions have pay scales in writing and in a written
contract. -plain_truth-
Comment
09/9/08:
Salary = 45,000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 13
Hours/Week = 40+
Div Name = STG
Message = Let me just say to everyone.... band numbers no longer matter at
IBM. My salary has been lowball from day one with IBM since I worked my way
up from Band 1 to my present Band 7. This month I was promoted to Band 7,
with a paltry increase in pay. I asked to see the band range, since I couldn't
believe my pay could still be in the low-mid forties and be a Band 7. I was
told that even with my new increase, I was still going to be payed $400 /
month below the STARTING point for Band 7. When I challenged this, I was told
that the band ranges were nothing more than "targets" and it was
perfectly OK for them to pay me well below my new band range. I asked to challenge
this with HR, only to be told that there are people lower payed than me at
this band and there is no budget for "out-of-cycle" pay increases
to "pull people up." So needless to say this promotion didn't set
well with me. IBM promotions are useless.... IBM bands are useless. They aren't
even trying to keep employees anymore. -Anonymous-
Comment
09/9/08:
Salary = 90K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Software Developer
Years Service = 7
Hours/Week = 40-50 + weekend duty
Div Name = STG
Location = Tucson
Message = I got promoted this year. I love my 1st and 2nd line and very happy
where I am. -Shark-
Comment
09/9/08:
Salary = Less than year 2000, more than 2009
Band Level = less than 0
Job Title = Project Custodial Engineer
Years Service = not enough to retire yet
Hours/Week = 70-80, then 60, now 40 (by choice)
Div Name = IGS ( Its' Goatherding Service )
Location = Virtually roam, no real home
Message = My new favorite old movie is Office Space. -another IBM
serial#-
Comment
09/8/08:
Salary = less and less
Band Level = it don't matter -make it band 0
Job Title = resource (not an employee)
Years Service = doesn't matter
Hours/Week = too many
Div Name = it keeps changing
Location = anywhere USA
Message = Gee all you folks in Essex Jct. VT and Hudson Valley NY that lost
your AWS: you are just as "so bad so sad" as those I/T Specialists
that accepted a 15% pay cut! The IBM brass in Armonk are laughing their collective
arses off at all of you since you all are worse than sheep (sheep at least
know how to flock to protect try to protect themselves from the predators).
What have you done to reverse these actions by IBM? Largely nothing. So IBM
thinks that you are okay with it after all. So wait till the next IBM decree.
It will get worse. It used to be that nothing would stop a "Watson IBMer"
from whatever challenge was in front of them. I can't believe this is not
the case now. Or is it? You know collective action can work. But you have
to take action collectively. Just see what collective action and association
has done for the Flighdeck workers in Australia: IBM is finally starting to
listen to them. We have much the same labor laws in the USA but you don't
give a damn about them. If you continue to worry about losing your pay and
eventually losing your job then guess what? It will happen. Please do something.
Collective action can work. But it takes you..and you.. and all of us to do
it. Without you we all fail. Make me believe IBMers are still something special
than just run-of-the-mill "in it for themselves for all it lasts"
pawns of the corporate world. -tough_luv-
Comment
09/2/08:
Salary = $45,000
Band Level = 3
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 50+
Div Name = IGS
Location = Northern, NY
Message = After getting the axe at one of the manufacturing plants I took
this job as an SSR. They made me take a band cut but I didn't loose any pay.
I thought life in a IBM manufacturing plant was hell but life as an SSR is
worse. Needless to say I am working on my exit strategy now. IBM is a terrible
place to work. -Anonymous-
Comment
09/1/08:
IBM salary trend for band 7 -justcheck-
Comment
08/27/08:
Salary = 74880+6240 bonus (new company)
Band Level = Was band 8 at $69800+2100 bonus
Job Title = Former 1st Line, now Business Analyst
Years Service = 8 at IBM; 2 at new company
Hours/Week = 60-70 at IBM; 45 at new company
Message = I left IBM 2 years ago as a very disgusted first line manager, and
took a job as a Business Analyst with a software firm. I very rarely work
more than 44-45 hours a week, and have been called off hours twice in two
years. At IBM, I was on call 2 weeks out of every month and worked 60-70 hours
a week. Raises at the new company are small (3-4% range, but I draw 4 quarterly
bonuses like clock work, and have drawn an annual bonus both years I've been
here. I love my job and I love the people I work with (most of them).
-Just a Reference Point-
Comment
08/27/08:
reply to "-EFK'ED- " overtime question I thought vermont law was
the same that we get paid ot for after 40hrs a WEEK mabey its time to check!!!!!$$$$
-vtibmer-
Comment
08/25/08:
How can
IBM take 4 hours from the AWS scheduled 48 hour week and put it into the 36
hour week to make 40 hours? I thought NY State law was overtime after 40 hours
a week! Instead of 8 hours a month overtime shouldn't we be getting paid 36
hours straight time on one week and 8 hours overtime on the 48 hour week.
Totaling 16 overtime hours overtime a month instead of the 8 we will be paid
and have been paid? -EFK'ED-
Comment
08/25/08: to
-IBMer Action- Good points all. Except why would anyone believe that
Sam would do anything about anything. He is the CEO. Its all his doing. Its
his plan. He approves it all. If he didn't no one would do anything against
his wishes. No one in IBM decides to offshore any job without tactic approval
from SAM. People seem to cling to the belief that if only an executive knew
they would stop it. If HR knew they would stop it. And so on and so forth.
Folks. Your standard of living and work conditions are yours to fix. From
Sam right on down to your meeley mouthed immediate supervisor they are all
looking out for themselves. Not you. There is no T.J. Watson to stand up for
the employees. Its just rape and pillage to keep their own jobs and pockets
well lined. An HR department that does more then warn its company that a particular
persons case will lose in court is a soon to be outsourced HR department.
Why would an HR employee stand up for your job and lose theirs? Wake up people
and realize if you do not stand up for your own job why would someone else
do it for you. Either lead, follow or get the heck out of the way.
-Exodus2007-
Comment
08/22/08:
Salary = 45000
Band Level = 2
Job Title = ssr
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 40 to 55 +10 day work weeks befor a ns day
Div Name = igs
Location = hell
Message = I take it SSR's don"t read this site or are they too embarrassed
of their pay? Only 5 responded at band 2 and 3 at band 3??? btw I was one
of the 5 -SSR-
Comment
08/22/08: To
-sid-: Would you happen to have a link to the newspaper article you mentioned
that you can post? -Mistressofthei5-
Comment
08/21/08: Hey
anonymous: Stop wondering about sending emails to Sam Palmisano. You're wasting
your time, mental energy and intelligence. Tons of SPAM will never reach his
eyes. Instead, join Alliance@IBM, then start sending emails to your co-workers
about the effectiveness of taking actions as a group. Work toward getting
a committee of co-workers together at a meeting, outside of IBM. Contact Alliance@IBM
for some ideas how to get IBM's and Sam's attention. Here's an idea: start
handing out or sending out information about fighting back, and organizing.
Alliance has plenty of informative fliers and posters, etc. that they will
gladly share with you. This web site even has forms to download and sign-up
your co-workers. All you do is pass them out at lunch or on your break or
after work. These actions are a helleva lot more effective than sending SPAM
to Sam's email or hoping (guilt) that he sleeps well at night... BTW.. He
has an email address that no one else knows, outside of his inner circle.
The email address that is listed in the Employee directory (if it's even still
there) is totally monitored by one of his corporate lackeys. Get wise... organize.
-IBMer Action-
Comment
08/21/08: I
wonder if anyone affected by the AWS pay cut did or will send an email to
Palmiselloff asking if the chief of BTV/EFK/POK had his pay cut as well? We
all know he is so busy with new cost cut schemes and actions and has no time
to even open his own Notes emails; but maybe if he gets tons of spam he might
just finally open his long deaf ears. -anonymous-
Comment
08/19/08:
Well boys and girls was just reading a report from the Gartner Group
check it out:
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=741012
Basically says that the India I/T firms Wipro, TCS and Infosys will be at
the top of the heap by 2011. That's in less than three years my friends..less
than three years! The piece reports revenue per employee and many, I suppose
will find the 3:1 ratio compared to IBM as proof that US IBM workers are more
talented because they can generate more revenue per employer. I see it differently
however. I see that 3:1 ratio as how much US IBM is raping it's customers
by and it is also most likely how much of a wage DECREASE you will see in
the near future as IBM tries to hang onto it's market share by matching prices.
Only time will tell if I am right. The clock is ticking people, don't wait
too long. Things are going to get a lot worse in my opinion. Set up a two
year plan of what you would do if you get laid off. Now is the time that you
can still use to network, so do it.. What's the worse that can happen versus
not doing it or anything else? Delay your major purchases, clear off those
balances on the credit cards and stick them in the drawer once they are paid
off.Take a look at your portfolios, IRA's 401K's and re-balance them if necessary
You do not want to have all you eggs in one basket IMO.. I really hope I'm
wrong but I'm not seeing it. ttyl -spiderman-
Comment
08/17/08:
-sid- I heard of someone in EFK that spoke his mind about losing
the AWS differential to the affect that "IBM will go down in flames".
IBM management didn't take too kindly to his remark and grilled him on it.
No wonder. It's not far from the truth. You know why? IBM powers that be are
scared. Since they know they are screwing the workers and playing with fire.
They think they can get away with it all without collective action to try
to challenge it. Is IBM really going down in flames? Literally
no, figuratively yes. IBM is like Rome burning. The big wigs and those that
think they are big wigs will try and resort to anything to pad their pockets
before Nero plays his last tune on the fiddle. It's time to
organize folks. NOW. Not tomorrow. NOW. -Anonymous-
Comment
08/16/08:
Location = east fishkill
Message = one of my friends just got let go from IBM for speaking his opinions
in a local newspaper artlcle about the 20% big pay cut, how can you accept
a cut, yet again? and while the newspaper says IBM is hitting record profits?
I'm glad he got out, one way or another life goes on and IBM is not the only
place to work, Don't get locked in without a union to support you. Sign the
petition -sid-
Comment
08/16/08: To
-MyPlan4IBM- That sooths your anger untill you either forget to slow down
or you get fired. Even better is to join the union, get your friends to join
the union, and get a contract getting your money back and preventing anymore
take aways. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
08/13/08:
Salary = 68 k
Band Level = 7
Job Title = pick one
Years Service = 30 ++
Hours/Week = 55
Location = Oak Brook, llinois
Message = Standby pay cancelled. Chicago. Effective 8/16/2008 15% paycut GUY.
-Anonymous-
Comment
08/13/08: IBM
has new plans and so do I. IBM cuts my pay 10%, I cut the amount of work done
in a day by 10%! Plus I'll reduce output by another 10% as a penality to IBM
for having betrayed me and my co-workers... That's my plan IBM. Just business,
don't be upset. -MyPlan4IBM-
Comment
08/10/08:
-spiderman- Some good advice! There are plenty of folks that don't realize
what you mentioned about credit. Here is something that I am doing to protect
my credit: I have credit protection with my CWA Union Plus Credit card that
I signed up for. I was eligible for this since I am a member of the Alliance@IBM
CWA Local 1701, and have been since 1999. For instance, if I am RA'ed by IBM
my credit card protection is that Union Plus will freeze my credit card balance.
I will not have to make monthly credit card payments during the time I am
out of work. The cost of this service is nominal in my opinion and worth it
since IBM is a "RA and pay cut engine". IBM will continue to be
an "RA and pay cut engine" unless more of us join Local 1701 and
do something about it. -sby_willie-
Comment
08/08/08:
Here is an update to the salary survey:
Band 2: 5 respondents, avg: $33K, standard deviation: $10K, range: (min/max
reported): $20K to $42K
Band 3: 3 respondents, avg: $34K, std dev: $8K, range: $25K to $41K
Band 4: 15 respondents, avg: $47K, std dev: $11K, range: $32K to $68K
Band 5: 6 respondents, avg: $59K, std dev: $15K, range: $40K to $77K
Band 6: 70 respondents, avg: $56K, std dev: $9K, range: $37K to $78K
Band 7: 135 respondents, avg: $71K, std dev: $12K, range: $48K to $110K
Band 8: 121 respondents, avg: $96K, std dev: $16K, range: $55K to $140K
Band 9: 39 respondents, avg: $118K, std dev: $17K, range: $89K to $152K
Band 10: 11 respondents, avg: $148K, std dev: $25K, range: $107K to $190K
-Anonymous-
Comment
08/08/08:
@ cattail and 120K. He is in AP (asia pacific) -- so the currency unit is
probably not $. I agree that band 6 in US is not going to get 120K -- that
is a typical band 9 amount. -Brubaker-
Comment
08/07/08: Note
to our 3,500 IBM brothers and sisters in East Fishkill, Poughkeepsie and Vermont
IC operations, that are taking the 10% pay cut. Watch your credit card balances
people and pay them down if you can. All the financials are struggling in
the stock market in case you haven't noticed. Once the credit card companies
get wind of your lower salary, your credit limits and interest rates may change
as you are now seen as a higher risk because of your debt/income ratio. It
may not be everyone but keep an eye on it and pay them down if you can. Oh
and remember these banks are running those universal default rules in many
cases too . You miss a payment on one card you could end up with that triggering
interest rate increases on ALL you cards under the universal default clauses
in many of your contracts. A five percent rate of inflation and a ten percent
wage cut is a 15 % cut in your standard of living. The last thing that you
need right now is the credit card companies jacking up your interest rates
because of your debt/income ratio so be careful that's all... things are going
to get rougher imo. Good luck to you all! -spiderman-
Comment
08/07/08:
IBM to cut pay for some workers at Hudson Valley Plant http://www.wnbc.com/news/17109488/detail.html
-marbles-
Comment
08/06/08:
Band Level = 2
Job Title = operator
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = aws
Location = burlington
Message = how much more can a worker under 40k take in cuts I was just cut
my aws shift premium of 20% then had my base raised so the cut was 5.5% starting
1/1/09 ..what a bunch of BS my 3rd level said he didn't get a increase this
year whoo hoo SHANE R. way to go to help the co. why don't u take a cut IBM
in VT will soon be a thing in the past some of my friends with 25+ years service
lost 10% -vtibmer-
Comment
08/06/08: -cattail-
120K band 6? Is this USA $? If this is USA $: R U serious??? Some band
9's don't even make this now. Even a union buster wouldn't even think of posting
something this ridiculous. The salary you state for being in IBM for 5 years
one would think you would be a band 7 or maybe a band 8 by now. -anonymous-
Alliance Reply:
We don't know who -cattail- is; however, don't put anything past a union buster.
They wil do anything they need to do. Maybe cattail is just an exception to
the salary range....or not.
Comment
08/05/08:
Salary = 53
Band Level = ?
Job Title = assistant director
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 35
Message = no pay raise -o-
Comment
08/03/08: Well
I was given the word about OT on Friday also, but since I was a Band 8 and
now a Band 7, the offer was about as unethical as anything I have heard at
IBM. I am to agree in writing that I am not spending more than 45% of my time
on anything that could be construed as System Admin work. I will be given
some "management duties" like previewing PBC's, previewing IDP's
etc. for 55% of my time. I cannot spend over a set number of hours on call.
I can assist SA's below me on research and develop processes to eliminate
the reason they had to engage me. Basically changing my job description to
meet the NLRB Exempt Employee qualifications. For this I get my 15% pay cut
back and get to retain my Lead title. I asked management if this wasn't just
a veiled disguise to make me fit the NLRB guidelines, that they wouldn't allow
me to fit in February and all I got back was a "What do you think"
I asked what do I get if I don't agree to this, "you get reduced to a
System Administrator, you will never be refered to as a Lead, your OT will
be reduced to zero, you will never be allowed to post into a Lead position.
I told a friend about it and his comment was "thats not ethical",
I told him we are not at ethical, we are at IBM. -SoonToBeGone-
Comment
08/02/08:
Salary = 120000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = software engineer
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = sd
Location = ap
Message = No comments -cattail-
Comment
08/02/08: The
Next Wave is Here - that is sheer lunacy, it cannot be done without first
shift week day maintenance windows which no SSO customer will EVER allow.
The worst executives can do is force exempt resources to do the offshift maintenance,
but the maintenance still has to be done offshift. We are led by morons.
-Frank-
Comment
07/31/08: Just
got wind that SSO has begun an aggressive overtime curtailment effort. All
changes requiring a sysadmin have to be done between the hours of 8:00AM and
5:00PM eastern time. Evidently senior management has not figured out that
we have customers across all time zones. Time to watch the business erode
as IBM falters in it's service commitments. -The Next Wave is Here-
Comment
07/31/08: Recent
layoffs and low salary increases in IBM’s Systems and Technology group
were attributed to sagging revenues in that group. If you look at page 8 of
this IBM mid-year financial report you will see that is confirmed: IBM
Link pdf file
First half 2007 revenues = $9.6B
First half 2008 revenues = $9.4B
So it's reported that revenues for STG are down 2% for first half 2008 compared
to 2007.
But what I also see is on page 8 is that for STG, the gross profit margin
for the first half 2008 was 37.9% and for first half 2007 it was 37.1%. So
if I understand correctly:
STG 1st half 2007 gross profit was $9.622B x 37.1% = $3.473B
STG 1st half 2008 gross profit was $9.431B x 37.9% = $3.574B
So while the revenues for STG 1st half 07 vs. 08 were down 2%, gross profits
were up 101 million or 2.9% STG is claiming they are having a bad half for
08 since revenues are down 2%, but in reality, gross profits are up almost
3%. Is my math and logic correct? -confused-
Comment
07/31/08: What's
your plan boys and girls? Have you seen this story in the NY Times today,
here's a quote:
"The number of Americans who have seen their full-time
jobs chopped to part-time because of weak business, has swelled to more than
3.7 million — the largest figure since the government began tracking such
data more than half a century ago." and the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/31/business/economy/31jobs.html?em&ex=1217649600&en=fece3782495a3660&ei=5087%0A
I figure that will be the next shoe to drop at IBM. All the people that moved
to hourly will have their hours cut back to below 40 hours a week so that
you are now condiered part time qorkers and are not qualified for benefits,
no health care, no vacation..etc..etc.. So what's the plan if and when it
happens. Just wondering? -Big Al-
Comment
07/28/08: The
whole purpose of this site is to help organize IBM into a union shop and make
working and living conditions better for the rank and file workers. Leaving
IBM in and of itself will not really solve your problems long term, as all
companies are cheaping out on employee benefits and raises. Maybe not to the
point of IBM yet, but they too will get there. The absolute best would be
to stay employed at IBM long enough to organize and see how much better things
get. Stop being a victim. For many changing jobs is not an option anyway due
to their geography or whatever reason. I would expect these folks to become
super union organizers for their own benefit if nothing else. America has
become so apathetic that people will stand and watch someone get beat to death
and do nothing to stop the beater. That is what is happening here as far as
organizing. Untill someone is the one getting beat down they do not care about
it. Little by little America is losing its middle class. When this happens
there will be no where for the lower financial classes to aspire to. The full
force of the greedy rich will pound down on them and they will be little more
than slaves; either to corporate America or to the American government whichever
one provides them food. Or to a foriegn power who may not bother to feed them
at all. Save the Middle Class. Live better. Work Union. -EXODUS 2007-
Comment
07/27/08: -irRational-
Sure there are many IBMers that want to leave now and IBM knows it. IBM uses
this to make it worse for you. They also know that the job market will not
allow everyone who wants or can leave big blew will have the opportunity to
do just that. Until you find a better job why not try to make the one you
are working at in IBM a bit better for yourself? It also might make it better
for others you work with too. Maybe then instread of the prevailing sentiment
is "What R U waiting 4?" will turn into "I'm staying since
we the employees in our union made IBM the place to stay at". You can
do it by building a union and getting a contract! You have the right, your
other workers have the right, why not use it? -I/Tbody-
Comment
07/27/08: "I'm
waiting to find the next, better job, that's what. It's not as easy for some
of us as we'd like. -irRational-"
Well maybe the jobs that people are doing at IBM are taking away any future
chance of your employment outside of IBM... I think that you should think
about that...As you guys offshore and outsource everything, it's a self defeating
career plan isn't it? The longer you stay, the more that you help the company
offshore work, the more your successful for them, the less opportunities there
are going to be here in the US for YOU outside of IBM.... As you continue
to "just hang on" don't expect to be isolated from the problems
either that you are helping to create for yourself... You have no where to
go and you keep helping IBM offshore the work, it's career suicide. Creating
more unemployment in the USA..less opportunity for you...You are the ones
doing it to yourselves, don't you see it? Soon IBM can release the next wage
survey once again showing that you are being overpaid.. I mean, look at all
the people you help put out of work now depressing the wages in your area
of expertise... Those people are willing and able to compete for your job
,,...you are creating it, now you can live with it..You all are on the road
to nowhere my friends. It's only a matter of time before you yourselves are
on the bread line at the local food pantry... Working harder, or longer is
so old school thinking, it's not going to save your positions. Thousands of
people have already been that route at IBM, look around you and open your
eyes. Being a conscience worker and keeping your skills fresh and even enabling
the company to increase it's profits is not a guarantee of your future employment.
More education isn't going to help either. For any degree of certification
that you can obtain there are at least twenty people or more just like you
with the same skill set in India and/or China willing to do the job for less....
It's the new age of the career martyrs at IBM...so you keep working harder,
destroy your own future faster, you'll be on the next layoff list soon...you
are not creating career paths a future at IBM you are destroying careers for
many Americans including yourself. It's my opinion that's why you need a union
not only to give you a voice at the company, but more importantly you need
a voice to be heard above the pro corporate off shoring lobbyist in Washington.
To make an analogy, You can either sit back and watch your career airplane
crash into the world trade centers of the world so to speak, waiting for someone
else to just do something, or you can at least be like a Scott Beamer on that
plane that went down on 9/11 in Shanksville Penn...Scott's last works were
"okay ya ready ...let's roll"....it's your decision people
-spiderman-
Comment
07/24/08: "IBM
just sucks. Period. Wake up people! What R U waiting 4? -I/Tbody-"
I'm waiting to find the next, better job, that's what. It's not as easy
for some of us as we'd like. -irRational-
Comment
07/24/08: No
raises for I/T Specialists. I got an MBA year. More record profits for IBM.
What the hell is going on??? Wasn't it enough retribution to get a 15% pay
cut IBM? Hey, Palmisano, McDonald, Daniels, Kelly, etc.: you'll make up all
the Rosenburg settlement up by end of the year in stock options so why not
be civil and play fair for maybe the first time in your wretched lives? Go
Alliance! No sense in working in IBM without the Alliance. IBM just sucks.
Period. Wake up people! What R U waiting 4? -I/Tbody-
Comment
07/22/08:
Salary = 2660€ PER MONTH
Band Level = PRG 6
Job Title = PROJECT MANAGER
Years Service = 22
Hours/Week = 35
Div Name = GTS
Location = FRANCE
Message = We never work 35 H/W, the réality is 40.. But 35 is a law.
-lomelet-
Alliance Reply:
Do you belong to a works council or union, where you work?
Comment
07/22/08: To
-Anonymous- at around $43K Yes, you are grossly underpaid even if you live
in a reall rural backwater area where there is no competition for IBM. Your
salary sheet your manager should have given you this June spells the low and
high end pay ranges for your geographic area for band and job family so if
you are far on the low end of the scale from midpoint then you are getting
screwed from a pay perspective for sure IBM doesn't even give out MBA's (market
based adjustments) now like they did last year. I haven't heard of anyone
getting one. IBM apparently didn't fund it just like they did fund the recent
pay raises to speak of. Not that an MBA would even help you to substantially
catch up..it would not. Being so low paid might have given you the 4% raise.
That's one of the highest raises I have heard of this year. PBC 1's largely
didn't even get a percent that high. But 4% for you is no real consolation
since you are so low paid, I can empathize with you. You probably started
like I did, as a low paid hourly worked, like a band 2 or 3 perhaps? I know
I started in IBM in 1984 making $8.08 and hour as a computer operator. Suffice
it to say I am now band 08 for the last 11 years and still am 25% below my
midpoint and I have been a good PBC performer. the whole time..I have been
pursuing the reason why my pay is so laggard and I never get a straight believable
answer from IBM. They deflect it all the time. But I came to this conclusion:
In short, if you started at real lowball pay in IBM you will have that "ball
and chain on your feet" in an IBM career as being low paid in despite
what IBM wants you to believe. Like the other poster mentioned to you: do
market yourself. Java programmers are still in demand and in development shops
they do make decent $$$, but not necessarily in this pale blue IBM. Good luck
to you. You definitely deserve much better. -sby_willie-
Comment
07/22/08:
Salary = ~43,000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 14
Hours/Week = 40+
Div Name = STG
Location = WFH
Message = Thanks -alreadygone- No, I don't live in a super-rural area, but
I used to when I started at IBM at a lower band level. Even with raises and
promotions there doesn't seem to be any way for those in my situation to ever
match that of my peers who enter IBM under different circumstances at the
same band. I have had three managers in the last year due to reorg's and they
have expressed sympathy that this is wrong, but there just isn't a method
for them to give an employee a 20k pay bump, even if that is what it would
take to put me in line with my peers. So I know that my future cannot be with
IBM unless I have some sort of masochistic desire for low pay going forward.
However I do like and always have liked what IBM can offer to those that want
to learn. This is the biggest benefit to working for this company and as your
advice suggests that is what I plan to focus on even if it leads me out of
here in the future. I guess you can't put a price on education, but there
is a fine line here between opportunity and exploitation that I find myself
walking. thanks and regards, -Anonymous-
Comment
07/21/08:
Band
Level = 9
Job Title = Senior SW Engineer - retired
Div Name = SWG
Message = To the $43K J2EE developer: You don't say where you are geographically,
but, unless you're in a super rural area, you should be able to do better
than $43K as a Java programmer, even as a contractor. Assuming you like development,
use your time at IBM to get better at Java--online classes or leadership on
your floundering project. If you're the App Architect, suggest, and start
writing, some prototypes or tools. Don't worry that they might not get used;
they'll go on your resume regardless. Go to the chief programmer, STSM, whoever,
associated with your project to get some ideas. Tell him/her you don't want
to waste time during the plan swirl. If you want to stay at IBM, it sounds
like you've been given an opportunity. If it doesn't work out with IBM, you
have the chance to add to your experience and resume. Most of all, don't go
to bed at night without a plan for the next day--even if it's just some code
associated with an online course. Otherwise, you'll get to the point where
you just want to pull the covers over your head, and life's too short for
that! -alreadyGone-
Comment
07/20/08:
Salary = ~43,000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 14
Hours/Week = 40+
Div Name = STG
Location = WFH
Message = I work from home, so I guess there is that when we all wonder how
to make ends meet with paltry raises and high cost of living. I received a
4% raise this year, giving me an additional net $100 each month. I asked my
manager if he ever thought I would reach midpoint (band 6 midpoint is MANY
thousands higher than 43K) and he said once IBM gets back on track it "could
happen." I know that will never happen. The math doesn't work on any
level. The worst part is that a month prior to the STG layoff I was re-org'ed
into another dept. and since that point my job has stagnated in a big way
due to lack of focus and planning by the people who hired me with claims that
"this is the next big thing." I feel now that my move was merely
a way to shuffle staffing numbers and nothing more. Further I think that this
"lost" time is one way or another going to result in my employment
being ended with IBM. I feel this way because each passing day I seem like
less and less of an employee of this company due to a process of dis-engagement
that started when I took this new job. i.e. Old doors get closed, new doors
get opened and go nowhere.....time passes...... nothing.....we ask questions,
get no answers and all of sudden we are accountable for deadlines....Deadlines
for WHAT !!! you haven't even told us what you want us to do ??? and then
the cycle repeats.... Each morning I awake trying to think of a way to make
this meaningful somehow, but so far, nobody seems to have a clue what to do
with me or my peers in this new project. Since I have been most vocal in asking
the questions, I have been renamed as "Application Architect." So
now it's my job to assign work to my peers even though I still don't know
what it is we are supposed to accomplish. Utterly pitiful... I have been with
IBM for 14 years and never seen this much garbage. I think I am working in
a project that has realized they cannot complete the goals they were funded
for and are now looking for a scapegoat. I'm feeling very much like my days
are numbered here. The only thing I console myself with is that I should be
able to find a job making around 40k/year with a BS degree, even if that means
leaving behind my skills as a J2EE developer. Who knows, if the economy hasn't
completely tanked yet I may find something on DICE, etc. that will allow me
to continue the work that I enjoy. thanks for the vent -Anonymous-
Comment
07/19/08:
Job Title = Test Engineer
Years Service = 28.5
Div Name = microelectronics
Location = Endicott
Message = Unbuntu2u2 means: Ubuntu to you too. An intended friendly wish or
greeting.
Ubuntu is also a Linux operating system that is open source and offered free,
from its multiple authors.
A great alternative to Windows.
Ubuntu, pronounced [ùbúntú], is an ethic or humanist
philosophy focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other.
The word has its origin in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa. Ubuntu
is seen as a traditional African concept.
Nelson Mandela explained Ubuntu as follows:
"A traveler through a country would stop at a village and he didn't
have to ask for food or for water. Once he stops, the people give him food,
entertain him. That is one aspect of Ubuntu but it will have various aspects.
Ubuntu does not mean that people should not address themselves. The question
therefore is: Are you going to do so in order to enable the community around
you to be able to improve?"
No I am not discouraging anyone from finding good employment. I am encouraging
my peers to join Alliance@IBM and build their membership to a level that will
then have the power to bargain collectively for a contract with IBM, and upon
the agreement of that contract between IBM and the union employees; become
a better employment for them and a better company. What's wrong with that?
-ubuntu2u2-
Alliance Reply:
Thank you for that definition and vote of confidence. It should be noted that
the quote you used, is also found on Wikipedia's definition of Ubuntu. That
link is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(philosophy)
Comment
07/19/08: not
sure what ubuntu2u2 means. Even so, are you discouraging peers from finding
good employment? -Bill W.-
Comment
07/18/08: IBM
CHQ Armonk executives are literally laughing all the the way to the bank now:
and also at you. An increase in 2nd QTR of 22%. Did they make this happen?
No. You did! They got much richer with their equity. Did you get much richer
in June? And what was your raise? Like if you got one... With the great 2nd
QTR 2008 and a nice 1st QTR 2008 don't you deserve more? With a union contract
you have more than a fair chance of getting a decent pay raise. And you'll
get it in writing: a contract, a promise that IBM cannot got back on, like
they have time and time again with our benefits. Wth a union contract you
have a decent chance of keeping your job. Without a union contract as it is
now you will not be getting a raise and/or not have a job. IBM delayed the
pay raises 2 weeks due to the "global economic environment". They
knew the USA economy would be in the dumper and the longer they waited the
worse it got. All to make you feel lucky you have a job even without a well
deserved pay raise. They secured their fabulous 2nd QTR profits at your expense!
And they did it. And you let them get away with it. Join the Alliance. Or
else kiss a raise and quite possibly your job, goodbye. -sby_willie-
Comment
07/18/08: "the
excuse that IBM was worried about the balance of the year".. in regards
to the pay raises. If you believe this crap from your manager who was coached
by HR and IBM compensation, then just quit IBM now! If you don't believe it;
join the Alliance and dispell the lie. -anonymous-
Comment
07/18/08:
Salary = 106K
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Marketing Manager
Years Service = 23
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = ITS GTS Marketing
Location = US
Message = Zero salary increase for me again this year, five years in a row
with no increase! -Im Justan IBMachine-
Comment
07/18/08: To
-ubuntu2u2- Very well put and well said. Until IBMers realize that
their salaries can be raided at will by management; and unless they have a
contract there is nothing they can do. Sam could give a shit whether you or
your families eat, much less enjoy life as long as you come to work and make
record profits for him to get paid bonus money for. Over and over the sheep
just bleat as the wolves carry off the lambs. Reading the comments after the
article on the main page about how was your raise when the one person wondered
when HR was going to do something about this was about the best and hardest
laugh I have had in a long time. At least some folks posted about this website
God Bless them. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
07/18/08: -Disgusted-
Maybe the company raised their earnings projection not because they are expecting
to sell more product and services, but because they got away with the wage
cuts and the resulting push back from the employees wasn't as bad as expected.
They got away with pushing the employees around with little or no collateral
damage and it was easy. So lets try it again next year,why not, it's working.
Just keep doing it until it fails. Hey think about it too. If you get a 20%
increase in company profits and cannot even get a decent cost of living raise
how much does it take then? How much do you have to increase company profits
by before the benefits trickle down to you. Is it 40%,,60%...80% what is it,
how much? You're already working 50~55 hours a week, guess you just need to
buckle down and work 75 to 80 hours a week. You guys probably were not doing
much of anything on the weekends anyway so go into work tomorrow and lets
see what happens next time performance reviews come around. Labor stats show
that the avg. hourly wage now is $18.00 an hour. That's $37,440 based on a
2,080 hour year. Add in your 15 hours of time and a half overtime, about 700
hours after discounting two weeks vacation and that's another $18,900. Altogether
the average worker in the US working the number of hours that you do is at
$56,340. From a management perspective almost everyone is above average .
Hell we need to get you down to the industry standard level of $56K a year..
-anon-
Comment
07/18/08:
Salary = 100k
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 55
Message = Yeah, I understand the World Is Flat theory. But the fact is that
IBM can not build computers for the US Government with Indian, or Turkish,
or Chinese Engineers. They need U.S. Engineers. Get used to that. -Engineer-
Racism?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/859150.cms
Comment
07/17/08: Well,
more amazing earnings, beat street expectations, company doing extremely well,
etc. No where in the analyst reports did I view the fact that IBM is completely
stiffing employees on pay raises, with the sorry excuse that IBM was "worried
about the balance of the year", business wise. IBM even went so far as
to "raise" guidance for the year! Of course, lack of raise time
has passed! Wonder of wonders, now the company is no longer "worrried
about the balance of the year"! BOHICA to all employees is what IBM real
earnings report is all about! -Disgusted-
Comment
07/17/08:
Job Title = Test Engineer
Years Service = 28.5
Div Name = microelectronics
Location = Endicott
Message = You are so right..anon. IBM continues to outdo themselves when it
comes to screwing their employees.
And what do many of the comment writers say on this board? "I hope Sam
can sleep at night.." or "IBM will be sorry, when we all quit, someday"
or "I left IBM and am I glad I did.." or "why doesn't the union
do something about this?", etc etc. etc.
Run away, run and hide; don't fight back because it could cost you your job,
screw your co-workers before they screw you, and make sure you keep your head
down and mouth shut. Yeah.. that's the ticket! That'll fix'em!.... yep.
The least you can do is thank the members and staff of Alliance@IBM for the
opportunity to show the world what you are really made of... Thank you Alliance@IBM.
Please don't give up. There ARE IBMer's that DO want a contract and do want
to fight for it. Stay the course. -ubuntu2u2-
Comment
07/17/08: Hey
IBM profits jumped 22% last quarter...How do you like that. The company is
rubbing it in your face today with their earnings report. Look what we did
hoo-ray for us and screw you. Hey, we'll cut everyone's pay by 20% next Q
so that we can report a 30% earnings increase and there's not a damn thing
anyone is going to do about it! -Anon-
Comment
07/17/08: To
Short_Sell_IBM_Stock- Damn good plan for those that make 98k and have
stock options. What do the majority of IBMers who make half that with no stock
options who will never have stock options do? Not knocking your enviable position,
just pointing out you are not the norm here. If you are feeling the pinch
you can only imagine what others are feeling. A union contract is the only
way anyone will feel real relief. -Exodus
2007-
Comment
07/17/08: The
retroactive pay was included in the 07/01 paycheck. Some employees who were
reclassified hourly, received raises. -Rob-
Comment
07/16/08: Yes,
it's not just a IBM USA thing about these terrible pay raises. This "global
economy" rhetoric as spewed by big business is a way to use the end all
word "competition" to dumb down ALL the workers. And the workers
are allowing it to happen by believing these increasingly rich "new world
order" big business executives who actually are for all practical purposes
"stateless". They don't have any allegiance to any country: only
to their own greedy and controlling aims. So if one countries economy tanks
they just pull up and out and go someplace else and then pillage some more.
If workers want better than a paltry 1-2% raise in IBM then you gotta get
a union contract to get better raises. IBM pay for performance is now a joke.
What don't they understand? Next year I bet most will get 0% since most of
the folks in IBM are an increasingly apathetic bunch, except for those folks
who have joined the Alliance in the USA and lobor unions and councils abroad
in the world. It is so sad that most IBMers don't realise that by unionizing
they can secure better working conditions for themselves. Why can't they understand
this? -macheavelie-
Comment
07/16/08: Dr.
Norman Matloff is a professor of computer science at the University of California,
Davis. According to a recent study posted here under his name, H-1B visa holders
are not being paid however like they are the best and the brightest. Now why
is that? THEY ALL have higher math and science scores then Americans don't
you know, so they should be paid more than anyone else if that logic was true..right
? Check it out http://www.cis.org/articles/2008/back508.html
-spiderman-
Comment
07/16/08:
Salary = 98000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Sr Project Manager
Years Service = 22
Hours/Week = 18
Div Name = Can't Tell ;)
Location = Can't Tell ;)
Message = Instead of begging for paltry raises, has anybody started shorting
IBM stock ? I have exercised all my options @ 125 and sold my ESPP this week.
Loaded up on IBM put options for strike 110 for Jan10. I am sure I will get
paid, by Jan2010. Can't leave my $$ raise to mercy of my manager, when we
have 5% inflation. -Short_Sell_IBM_Stock-
Comment
7/16/08:
A clip
from the AP news wire " ... Wholesale inflation, driven by skyrocketing
gas and food costs, rose by 9.2 percent for the 12 months ending in June —
the fastest pace since the summer of 1981, during another energy crunch."
-anonymous-
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jsanM66tszKz1zFq0LOG4XvWS7zAD91UU5J00
Comment
7/16/08:
Location = UK
Message = Hi All. From the UK. B8 Payrise this year 1% despite a PBC1 for
the last few years running. I'm still way below Market Rate after 10 years
in IBM and 10 years of the same "high performance culture" chat
from different 1LMs. I'm outta here - word is they WANT people to quit! Well,
they've got their dream with me! Anyone in UK recommend a good agency or two???
Thanks. -JustFedUpWithItAll-
Comment
07/15/08: NYS
can afford $140,000,000 for IBM so: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=703541
Gov. Paterson: can you give me a grant as a NY state taxpayer so I can stay
and work in NY? I'm not asking nearly as much as IBM: just something resembling
a raise or cost of living increase that I didn't get from IBM this year.
-anonymous-
Comment
07/15/08: "I
know, not much, but PROMISED"
Promised? PROMISED by this BIg Blew???.. you crack me up... ..sorry I have
to laugh...LOL...LOL.. (Belly)LOL...i have to stop...i'm starting to lose
my breath and maybe something else... IBM breaks every promise these days,
especially to the resources (used to be called an IBM employee with RESPECT
FOR THE INDIVIDUAL). You will not get any retroactive pay increases with a
0% raise.
-anonymous-
Comment
07/15/08:
This company is sh1t.
Record profits, yet no money for pay rises. They want intelligence in the
workplace, yet for us to be stupid as employees. A disgrace..... Where are
work unions when we need them? -Screwed off-
Alliance
Reply: "Where are work unions?" You have to organize your co-workers,
first. The union doesn't walk into the company and take over. The employees
that sign cards and vote in an election, are the union. This process is required
by US law. Organize and build the union, and make a contract, a reality.
Comment
07/15/08:
Salary = 67375
Job Title = product service
Years Service = 14
Hours/Week = 40
Location = milwaukee,WI
Message = What is a average product service manager salary? -Anonymous-
Comment
07/15/08: Anyone
who was reclassified as non-exempt I/T Specialist or I/T admin from the lawsuit
get a raise this year? Sounds like more retribution against these folks who
were targeted. Next up will be curbing OT potential for them to have the exempt
folks to pick it up. -nelifeout there?-
Comment
07/14/08:
Band Level = 7
Message = I never did get the "retroactive" pay outlined on W3 for
pay increases this year. Anyone else? I know, not much, but regardless, they
did not give it as promised. If they had never posted the article to W3, I
wouldn't even be looking for it. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/14/08: Tax
breaks for jobs in Albany, reminds me of a sophisticated money laundering
scheme. We can't lower the employees pay anymore, so we'll take away your
cities tax revenues for schools and city services.... So let me ask you....
this story is touting the creation of jobs for the state. However as the company
keeps telling you all, we just can't find qualified American workers. So when
they get the tax breaks that must be to create jobs for the H-1B foreign visa
holders..right ?? http://albany.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2008/07/14/daily3.html?ana=yfcpc
-Anon-
Comment
07/14/08:
Salary = 85,000
Band Level = 7
Message = You'll get a 5% increase (more if you're lucky but don't count on
it) from 6 - 7. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/14/08: -miss
understanding- You are absolutely correct! No wonder folks whose pay is well
below midpoint are still, for now, employed by IBM. IBM makes more money off
the ones paid like crap but even those folks that come cheap are not spared
the ax either. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/14/08: -IBMBlue12345-
All
depends. Alot of factors considered, too. If I had to guesstimate, I'd say
3-5% maybe for a promotional increase. But I wouldn't be surprised if it is
less than this range. The most recent salary increases were anywhere from
0-3% for PBC "2+" folks typically. BTW, your present salary as a
band 6 does fall in the IBM"competitive range" for band 7 so it
is plausible they might not give you any real increase as a "reclassification"
since based on what bonus money and past increase as far as IBM is concerned
"you are doing rather well for yourself for a one year resource! Being
promoted from band 6 to band 7 in one year is, should I say, quite exception
in this IBM now! If you are promoted to band 7 expect to stay there a long
time, maybe your entire IBM career. Promotions in IBM to band 8 for non-management
positions and higher are really rare now. So much for building a career in
this Big Blew. -pay$ucks-
Comment
07/13/08:
Salary = 58,000
Band Level = 6
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 50
Message = I've worked in IBM finance for slightly less than 1 year, started
at 56k (current salary is 58k) and received a $3k performance bonus in early
2008 (above the annual bonus). I am being promoted from Band 6 to Band 7 which
will result in a salary bump. Although I've been told I will receive a salary
increase, the amount was not specified. My question is what is the typical
salary bump for someone moving from band 6 to band 7? -IBMBlue12345-
Comment
07/11/08:
Band Level = 8
Message = To the folks that think working harder than the rest will somehow
save them from the ax. IT AIN"T TRUE. You are a number, and if you cost
IBM too much outside their cost structure you are gone. There is no such thing
as a valuable employee. IBM doesn't value experience, or talent, Oh sure your
1st line mgr might value that, but he doesn't mean a hill of beans when it
comes to layoffs. Layoffs come from way up the food chain, and they only see
individuals as a cost. If you cost too much, you're a goner! -miss understanding-
Comment
07/11/08:
"Thinking that the leave and come back method will be the only way
to jump ahead."
Yep. I have felt the same way but that is not how this big blow works. I am
paid so below the midpoint and have been a PBC 2+ for as long as I can remember
and even being in band for over 10 years makes no difference it is hard to
believe IBM just doesn't recognize pay for performance even though they say
they do. I managed to get a piddly raise but no MBA that I got last year maybe
due to the fact I am paid so low. Like it really means I'm finally getting
ahead... yeah, right.The raise buckets are so microscopically small now IBM
doesn't give a rat's a** whether you are being paid competitively now. Anything
to save your management money so they can squeeze as much out for a profit.
It starts at the top this pay philosophy does. Sam is an A**hole, so are most
if not all the IBM executives. Junior wannabee executives at best. No. Leaving
and coming back is not an option. IBM doesn't ever admit their mistakes. You
think they would hire anyone back at a higher salary now when they can kiss
commie red butt in China for pennies on the dollar? ANYONE in IBM USA that
doesn't join the Alliance now needs their coconut examined. Unless you kiss
the right butt your job is gonna be history before too long. Forget earning
more $$$ if you are in IBM now. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/11/08:
Salary = 75,000
Band Level = 7
Message = Ben, I hope you realize you have been grossly underpaid for your
band if this is the current salary after a really big pay increase. You've
been screwed for the 3 years you have been here. Stop boasting. You've been
had. Also, I have seen those who had promotions (I know someone who went from
6 to 7) and that caused them to be very very low in their new band, so a pay
increase would make sense. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/10/08: Ya
know, you guys that are working an average of 55 hours a week, have you no
respect for what you fathers and grandfathers fought so hard for. They fought
hard to make you have a better life, a 40 hour work week so that you could
enjoy some time off with family and friends and you are throwing it away as
though it is nothing. You let a hand full of corporate executives take it
right away from you as you buy into their debasing and ridicule of unions
taking away your standard of living. Glorification of the hard work ethic
gone overboard to the point that now it's expected. Well 55 hours is expected
now, you want a bigger raise maybe you should work 60 hours, 70, 80 hours
In fact it's not an option it's expected you have to do it to compete. You
are buying into the return of seven day a week , 16 hour a day slave labor
camps, Seriously, look at yourselves, there has been this mindset created
that if you work only 40 hours a week that you are lazy and to be ridiculed.
Man how did they slip that in there? The answer is that they chipped away
at it one little piece at a time just like they are now doing with your wages
and benefits....Hey did you see this story on Toyota. "Senior Toyota
engineer died of overwork" Yeah, check it out, the guy was only 45 years
old and was working 80 hours of O/T per month. That's 20 hours of O/T per
week. If you guys and gals are putting in 55 hours a week like many of you
claim, you are right behind him working 60 hours of O/T per week and for what...are
you more respected, so you think that it will guarantee you will not get laid
off.. you are never going to be able to replace that time away from you friends
and family once you give it up it's gone man. It's not like money where you
can always make it up later. Once your time is spent it's gone people why
do you want to give it away like you're doing. This working until you drop
dead is starting to become so common that the Japanese have given it a name
now. They call it "karoshi" 147 cases last year and 142 cases this
year in Japan the story claims. some of the victims in their 20's. So see,
the company will tell you that you have to compete in the global economy and
work 100 hours a week soon as that what is expected if you don't get on another
path and get some self respect for your worth. Here's the link on Toyota check
it out, it's not exaggeration, it's reality people. Your great grandparents
and parents before them would hang their heads in disgust if they knew what
you have given up. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/10/japan.japan?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront
-Spiderman-
Comment
07/10/08:
Salary = not quite 80K
Band Level = 08
Job Title = I/T Specialist (not one of the 7600)
Years Service = too many for this big blew
Hours/Week = 40 and no more now
Div Name = 1K
Location = CT
Message = No MBA this year. Got one last year. With record IBM profits and
earnings in 2007 what the %$#@ now? and I'm under the midpoint by about $20K.
PBC 2+ since I can remember. Over a decade in band . Raise was less than 2%.
I hope my 3rd line mgr. enjoys his bonus for relying on cheap offshore labor
to try to make the targets. -some1nGERS-
Comment
07/10/08: Got
a 0% raise this year? Getting mad will not do anything now but consider this:
IBM advertised in their retirement modelling planner tool for the 401k plus
an average annual raise of 2.75%. So... Work 66 minutes less a week for a
40 hour work week. Take that time to do other things that IBM takes your time
away from. That is a way to get even. Also better enable yourself to get a
raise. Get a contract. Join the Alliance! -lower_the_bar-
Comment
07/10/08:
Salary = 66000
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 40-50
Message = Thinking that the leave and come back method will be the only way
to jump ahead. Except - doubt I'll come back. -phishedin-
Comment
07/09/08:
IBM layoffs hit RTP - 30 career beheading's in RTP and 150 overall. http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2008/07/07/daily26.html?ana=yfcpc
I have to tell you, the only thing missing is the Al-Jazeera camera crew doing
a video showing the IBM workers on their knees with black sacks over their
heads.. "Give us more state and federal grants and more American taxpayer
money else the career beheading's will continue....." the ransom
note would read. It's a pitiful site to watch....like watching planes crash
into the world trade center. No one will get out of their seat, they are all
waiting for someone else to do something. Waiting for someone else to stop
the impending disaster....but there is no one else it's up to YOU... Sad to
see some of these people once they get the layoff news too. They bury themselves
into some kind of busy work right up until they are pushed out the door. I
think that they believe if they look real real busy management will have like
a V-8 moment, slap themselves in the forehead and say, what am I doing
I can't let this guy/gal go, and then they'll change their mind...any of you
guys see that, pretty pitiful sight isn't it? Anyways... hey, if any of you
people on the latest hit list are in that 15% wage reduction group you may
want to look at how your unemployment benefits are calculated. In my state
the earning from the last quarter that you were paid goes into a calculation
to determine your unemployment benefits ...What I am saying is this, suppose
you get a 12 week severance package ( one quarter) from IBM, however that
package is based on a 40 hour work week, not the 55 hours that you were working
to make up for your pay cuts.Well when you go to collect your unemployment
that quarter pay period may be used to determine your unemployment benefits
and they may be lower as a result. I'm not an expert in this area so check
it out..because if it will affect you what you might want to negotiate as
part as your severance package is a lump sum payment of that severance money
so that you can maximize every dollar that you can get back in benefits..know
what I'm saying? Just a thought..best of luck to you all -spiderman-
Comment
07/09/08:
Salary = 107500 when I left
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory PM
Years Service = 17
Hours/Week = 55+
Div Name = IGS - Gloabal Application Dev
Location = Atlanta - WFH
Message = I feel really bad for IBMers now. I've been out of IBM for not even
two years now and I've making 42K more than I was when I left. I don't know
why I didn't leave sooner. I truly believe that IBM execs have a master plan
to push people out without actually letting firing them. Small layoffs go
under the radar, bigger ones do not. By taking away benefits, forcing more
billable time, and not giving raises even with record earnings, people will
eventually either quit, retire or get laid off. i think this is a long term
scheme to remove all the long time IBMers (more than 5 years) and replace
them by offshoring or eliminating the work. Hey, if they don't fire you and
you don't like it, it's YOUR problem, right? It's your decision to stay then,
not theirs. There is life after IBM. A good life in fact. Step outside the
Blue box from hell! This ain't your Daddy's IBM anymore! Just another greedy
bunch of execs. -ms-
Comment
07/08/08:
New York May Pay IBM To Not Fire Workers http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/07/new_york_may_pa.html
Ha, It's like a stealth pay cut isn't it? It's like extortion isn't
it? You have a company making billions of dollars a year in profits and then
they hold the workers like hostages demanding state grants and tax breaks
from the state else they'll lay off these people or move their jobs off shore..."Give
us tax breaks NYC or else we will fire all these people and cut off your payroll
taxes from them." That's how it comes off to me, like a modern day slave
trade... It's like corporate terrorism.... -anon-
Comment
07/08/08:
Salary = 85000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 15
Hours/Week = 48.5
Div Name = GBS - Application Services
Location = RTP, NC
Message = I work in Division 6C (SEA&T). I have no confidence in my management
in this practice group. I have notice a steady amount people retiring and
leaving the practice. I am a Test Manager. We had an extremely slow start
this year with numerous people on the bench. It seems everyone in the group
is suffering because of this face. Business deals could not get close in time
along with the IGA Account being reduce along with projects being cancelled.
Systems Engineering is also draining this practice along with the organization
(nice pie in the sky theory but it doesn't translate with project teams).
-Anonymous-
Comment
07/08/08:
Why do folks post here as if Sam Palmisano is actually going to read it; when
his doing so, would be a violation of national labor laws. Yeah yeah I know,
IBM violates laws all the time; but if you really want to tell IBM management
something, join the Alliance. Its the only message they will hear; because
they will be forced to hear it.. Its great to vent and feel better; but, its
better to join and feel like you have really done something. Old IBM saying,
Don't just bring me a problem, bring me a solution. Management, or lack of
management is the problem. The Alliance is the solution. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
07/08/08:
Dear Ben. Please let us know what country you are in. Thanks. -marbles-
Comment
07/08/08:
Just thought I'd pass these links along that I stumbled upon today - IBM's
US Department of Labor Electronic Filing of Labor Condition Application for
H-1b Non Immigrant Visa Program. This one is apparently for a Managing Consultant
in Dallas with a begin date of 7/3/2008, Salary range $74,318 to $150,000
http://www-03.ibm.com/employment/us/lcafiles/080717_ManagingConsultant_Dallas_TX_4374829.pdf
....and there's this site, not sure how accurate it is but it shows a
breakdown of IBM H-1b visa stats by state, wage..etc.. http://www.myvisajobs.com/company/summary.aspx?id=54&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
-spiderman-
Comment
07/08/08:
Salary = 35% less then my new HW development job outside IBM...
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Staff Engineer
Years Service = 8
Hours/Week = 60 - 70 (42 at the new job...)
Div Name = STG
Location = Poughkeepsie, NY
Message = "IBM is not the place it used to be..." That is what I
was told when I started with the company 8 years ago, in 2000. That statement
is even more true now then is was in 2000. I survived several rounds of layoffs,
re-orgs and the occasional %0 raise. Earlier this year, faced with the notion
that raises were effectively slim - to - non-existent. I woke up one morning
and came to greatest conclusion of my life...."IBM’s just not worth
it anymore....". That day, I found a good technical recruiter... and
a month later.... I was happily working at a better (smaller) company, making
35% more.... (that is compared to the %1 or %0 raise I might have gotten...).
Bottom line… we ARE all worth more and there are other companies out
there aside from IBM that WILL acknowledge your worth (having IBM on your
resume is plus too...). Don't wait until your energy and enthusiasm is gone,
and then they move you. If you’re facing "financial resistance"
from good ‘ole IBM management, and you KNOW you’re worth more….
It’s ok… move on. You’ll be glad you did. -A-
Comment
07/08/08:
Ben: Could you share your raise percentage and what IBM division do you work
for? I'll share mine: I work in GBS and got 1.9%, PBC 2+. Supposedly I did
better than most. I am also an Alliance member since I got a much better raise
last year and can't see why if can't be close to that same amount as last
years. At least if I can get a union contract I'll have a real good idea what
I can expect for a raise. -Anonymous-
Comment
07/07/08:
Salary = 95000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Senior Business Consultant
Years Service = 8.5
Div Name = GBS
Location = California
Message = I want to know the competitive salary and banding info. I checked
with a couple of people and came to know, for this skill set they were offered
a higher band and salary -raja-
Comment
07/07/08:
Salary = 75,000
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 55
Message = I think the raises were fine this year. I had a good number in mind
for my increase, and that is exacftly what I got. Bottom line is that the
people who deserved them got them, and the others come here to complain about
it. I know positive comments about IBM are not welcome here, but I felt the
need to post. -Ben-
Alliance Reply: Your comments are not all 'positive'. To make a judgment of
other IBM employees "that come here to complain" as though they
didn't deserve to get a raise; when you know absolutely nothing about their
job or what their management chain is like to work for-- is a 'negative' comment.
Maybe not about IBM; but it's still a 'negative' comment. You might believe
there is no reason to need a union or join one. This web site is for IBM workers
to discuss their working life and conditions at IBM, positive and negative.
It is also a vehicle to organize IBM employees to work toward a union contract
that spells out exactly how raises, benefits, and working conditions are structured
and meted out. Alliance@IBM welcomes you to consider these comments, from
other IBM employees, as evidence that a union contract may just be a better
alternative to the present situation. Now, that's positive.
Comment
07/06/08:
Where are the "7600"? Now that IBM gave out little if any real raises
to the resources you think you as one of the 7600 will still be able to make
up the pay with OT that was taken away with the pay remix crap that gave you
a 15% pay cut for the rest of this year at least? IBM is saying flat out now
with the recent raises they somehow CAN"T AFFORD IT now despite a past
year of RECORD PROFITS, EARNINGS, and REVENUE growth in 2007. So almost all
of you stood around like sheep in a pasture and read this site but have largely
done NOTHING. Well wait to the second half of the year. IBM will not sit around
and do nothing. They will limit or end OT chances or even worse by further
accelerating offshoring I/T Specialist and Admins. You can do something about.
Organize now! It is your only chance in this IBM. If you don't fight for what
you had opr what you want it will be taken away from you. -I/TnotsoSpecial-
Comment
07/06/08:
To -spiderman- Yep. I hear ya. Here's my .$.02 (it's coming out of
my 0% 2008 raise): Here are direct verbatim quotes from Jack Kuehler and John
Akers in a canned IBM presentation in the late 80's/early 90's:
Akers: "If IBM does well you'll do well!"
Kuehler: "You bet!"
This was not played to just CHQ Armonk either I swear. Sam Palmicrapo:
did you ever hear this? If so, why were theraises so friggin' non- existant?
Maybe Sam the Sham thinks this quote only applies to the blue pigs in Armonk
now. Don't you friggin dare tell us Sam how GREAT we are if you make 2nd QTR
numbers in a memo to the resources later this month when 2nd QTR is announced.
You can just shove it! Just like you shoved it to all of us with a 0% or damn
close to it raise. If 2nd QTR does suck then look in the mirror Sammy boy.
You suck. You messed up. Not us. If you know 2nd QTR was gonna suck then that
explains why we all had to wait to June 30th to find out what our raise was
or wasn't. Coincidence? I don't friggin' think so! If 2nd QTR sucks then where
is your and your blue pigs at least a 15% base pay remix cut with forfeited
stock options??? Lead by example you I-diot, B-astard, and M-oron! -anonymous-
Comment
07/05/08:
Re: Why would people rather work fo the state than IBM? Because the state
pays better! -LoneStar- I had a friend who got RA'd from Austin and went to
work for the State of TX in a "lower status" job in the same area
of computing--basically he went from inventing/implementing software systems
at IBM to using them at the State. In his case, the best part was that he
was not *allowed* to work overtime! At IBM, he was basically expected to work
80-hour weeks with no overtime pay, but at the State he was legally forbidden
to work over 40 hours, without being explicitly budgeted for overtime. Nevertheless,
he said he was making more! I don't want to belittle the work he was doing
at the State; he was highly skilled and experienced and had a nice title,
but he *was* just basically running the code that he had helped create at
IBM. The most important reason for these folks to not go to IBM, though, would
be the State pension (and medical) that they will receive. I was shocked a
few years ago to find that retired garbage collectors in some cities had better
pensions than I did after I retired as a Senior Engineer at IBM! Ah, but who
has the better memories of their workplace? Who, indeed??? -alreadyGone-
Comment
07/03/08:
Exec's aren't giving themselves 1% raises, it's only the working stiffs earning
the cash that executives grant themselves that are getting squat! As for what
workers in other lands get, in some countries they are little more than slaves,
in others there are various levels of socialized support that doesn't make
for a level playing field. Globalization is about making all the world's workers
slaves, wake up and get organized! The communist dictators fear independent
unions because it will mean democracy, justice and a more even share of wealth,
corporate dictators fear unions for the same reason. -anonymous-
Comment
07/03/08:
IBM is behind schedule in its State of Texas project because it can't hire
and keep enough people. Why would people rather work fo the state than IBM?
Because the state pays better! -LoneStar-
Comment
07/02/08:
To Indian Fool- You must think we are fools. Salaries are increasing very
rapidly in India in particular. I understand this is due to the lack of skilled
employees in India, despite the very large pool of labor. Not sure whether
this trend has yet been successful in other brics. Who do you think is the
fool? -I never comment here; will this time-
Comment
07/02/08:
Yeah, I understand the World Is Flat theory. But the fact is that IBM can
not build computers for the US Government with Indian, or Turkish, or Chinese
Engineers. They need U.S. Engineers. Get used to that. -Engineer-
Comment
07/02/08:
They may not respond immediately, but tell management how you feel. I've told
my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line (a VP). I've told them my team can't keep delivering
if the company treats us this way. I've started saying "no" to new
work requests. I've told them how I'll respond if given the Global Pulse Survey
(which IS part of their appraisal). -Fed Up-
Comment
07/02/08:
Band Level = 08
Message = Do you want to know why the raises stunk this year in the US: IBM
is reigning in the US labor pool cost to be more in line with other countries.
IBM is a global company. If they are handing out 1% raises in India and Turkey,
why should someone in the US get better? Why do you think you're better than
someone in another country? Get used to it. Its a global thing, stupid.
-Indian Fool-
Comment
07/02/08:
Good Question. Why is there no outrage ? I for one am truly tired of this
stuff. Will leave as soon as my 30 is hit in 5 months. -anoanymous-
Comment
07/01/08:
I work at east fishkill, band 3. I received a 1% raise and was told
its better than nothing; which I was told by my manager a lot of people received
zero...like he was doing me a big favor with a 1% raise. I laughed when he
showed me its monthly value. He laughed with me. They can't even give us an
inflation increase with record profits! -flipper-
Comment
07/01/08:
You guys and gals are just assuming way too much when you read this
company's propaganda in my opinion. What I mean is, how do you know that the
term MBA, when used by management in the context of talking wages, means Market
Based Adjustment? Come on people wake up. This is the age of redefining commonly
known phrases and words to mean something totally different for ones own benefit.
Stop assuming! Do we have to send you all back to school to see what the definition
of 'is'... is, what the definition of "mission" accomplished"
is and how torture is defined, and what MBA means...You're all smarter than
that. Many people may assume that they know MBA means Market Based Adjustment...
but does it really? Maybe MBA means Market Based Assessment, Move to Bypass
America, or Management By Attrition, or even Make Believe Accounting ....
Oh yeah i know it's sounds like tin foil hat conspiracy stuff and nobody wants
to challenge the meaning because they may be viewed in not so bright terms
if they do . That's why choosing arbitrary language and statements like this
works so well. It appeases people. People tend to interpret the meaning of
arbitrary phrases in a context that is favorable to them, whatever makes them
feel good. I'll tell you what; Next time that you are asked for a project
deadline, try using the answer "it will be sooner than you think"
to the people trying to hold you accountable. That's one used quite a bit.
It could mean minutes, hours, days. weeks. months or years from now. Hell
"it will be sooner than you think"..hahaha,,,,,,Yeah, you'll get
that raise sooner than you think..,,When they come back and ask why the project
is not done yet based on what they thought the deadline would be, you can
always laugh at what their definition of "sooner than you think "
was, belittle their answer as though they are crazy and haven't got a clue.
That's how it works... I mean you think you know...Everyone thinks they know,
but do they really know and are you sure? How much trust do you have to believe
anything that you are told when arbitrary language like this is used. Here
I have another exercise for you, re-read this management quote from a previous
poster and then I have a question for you. "MBA would eventually level
the salaries and pay for those folks paid below and well below market to catch
up to market for valued skilled resources." Question: now define what
are "valued skilled resources" . If you did not receive an MBA increase
this year and remain below "market" then by definition I guess we
can further assume that the reason for no MBA increase for you was that whatever
it is that you do for the company is no longer considered a "valued skilled
resource " by their definition. Hey, I'm not trying to knock the previous
poster with this. I'm questioning management's integrity. Is everything
being run under a don't ask-don't tell policy? Think about it... Now define
what "market " is too and who is in it...etc..etc.. My friends we
are living in a time where you have to parse every single word or be taken
as a fool. We see it happening everywhere from politics to the workplace.
Sure YOU think your skills are of value and that you provide a valued resource
to the company and maybe those skiills are of value to someone else; however
management's definition must be different. It must be like what the definition
of "is" ...is. Actions speak louder than words, people. Could the
message be any clearer that they are sending... I ask you?....In closing I
ask you to remember that the more contract wins IBM gets and the more Americans
that get laid off as a result of those wins only undermines the "market"
base for your skills. You win in the short term and destroy your own MBA that
you will be rated against next year. Hell, you helped 10,000 Americans; i.e.,
Project managers, Programmers, Engineers, MBA's of whatever the numbers turn
out to be, get laid off. Jobs offshored. Your job is no longer worth $100k,
80K, 40K...etc...now...look at all the people you put in competition for your
own position devastating the market base thats used to determine your own
wages... It's a path to self destruction my friends. Good job.!!...IBM's success
comes at your expense. -spiderman-
Comment
07/01/08:
I'm surprised there is not more outrage at the lack of raises or paltry
raises this year! Did anyone get a raise at at least the rate of inflation
this year? Why were raises often less than half of what they were in 2007?
Are you folks actually happy at what you got in 2008? So why so rather silent?
Why is it that folks that got an MBA last year who are still below their market
target average now not eligible for the MBA? IBM said last year that the MBA
would eventually level the salaries and pay for those folks paid below and
well below market to catch up to market for valued skilled resources. Demand
an answer from your IBM manager! Make your manager earn their pay since they
obviously get more for less now in how they regard your compensation growth
chances now and going forward. If you manager can give you the frank and honest
answer or even ignores you about it then blast pay@us.ibm.com with your question.
.cc the Corporate HR Payroll Compensation Director if you wish as well. Put
the pressure on now! So who determines what pay for market is? It can't be
the cheap IBM payroll bastards now can it? Join the Alliance. Together we
can work towards a collective bargaining agreement and then IBM will have
to answer our question(s) on compensation practices! If you do nothing now,
expect nothing next year as your raise at best. -Market Based Absurdity-
Comment
06/30/08:
To -Ibm anger wont go away- Nor should your anger go away.
Organize your coworkers. On the days these classes are scheduled, try to schedule
an organizing mtg at the same time. IBM wants to find out how much you have
saved, that they do not know about, so they can calculate how much more they
can take away without you quitting. It's management's smart assed way of saying
you don't need a raise you need a budget. What you really need is a union.
The sheer audacity of that memo disgusts me. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/30/08:
Great news everyone! IBM has been designated by 'GREATPLACETOWORK.COM'
as a Best workplace in 2008! HR must be so proud! Oh, by the way, it's for
IBM Mexico and Latin America.
http://www.greatplacetowork.com/best/list-la-2008.htm
http://www.greatplacetowork.com/best/list-mx-2008.htm
-marbles-
Comment
06/29/08:
This is what I got in my mail box here at work .... you have got
to be kidding me, I got a lousy 1% increase!
Puzzled by your finances?
If so, join more than 11,000 IBMers who have partnered with an IBM MoneySmart
Coach to learn how they can better manage their money and achieve their
goals. Here are more reasons to contact a Coach today:
It is free to you.
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There is no product solicitation. So what are you waiting for? To learn
more, or schedule an appointment with an IBM MoneySmart Coach, call xxx-xxx-xxxx
or send a note to MoneySmart and we'll contact you.
Contact a Coach:
Phone: xxx-xxx-xxxx
E-mail: MoneySmart
Some common topics:
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©2008 The Ayco Company, L.P., Saratoga Springs, NY. All Rights
Reserved. The Ayco Company is a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Group,
Inc. and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co.
Contact
a coach for what, manange your fall to a lower poorer class of life?!?!?!?!!
-Ibm anger
wont go away-
Comment
06/29/08:
The highest paid IT company CEOs:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080627/highest_paid_ceos_it_sector.html?.v=1
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/28/08:
Salary = 90K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior IT Specialist
Years Service = 30
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = IGS/ITD
Location = Poughkeepsie
Message = No raise again this year. PBC 2+and the exact words from my manager
this year when they called to discuss salary were... Your increase this year
is ZERO Percent... Record profits for IBM... Millions for the execs.. The
trickle down must have dried before it got as low as I am. Oh wait... I was
one of the 7600... so in reality.. I got a NEGATIVE 15 percent at the beginning
of the year. I can almost hear the folks at Armonk singing... We're in the
money :-) --Been a very long time-
Comment
06/28/08:
Salary = 100K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory IT Architect
Years Service = 28
Hours/Week = 55
Div Name = I'm not telling
Location = I'm not telling
Message = PBC = 1, MBA=0%, TCR=2.7%, in the middle of the salary range. When
I told my son, he screamed that's below the rate of inflation! Yes, it surely
is. I told him that 2.7% was as good as it gets for us workers, that all of
my coworkers got less and most got nothing even though the company had reported
record profits. I have friends that haven't seen a raise in 4-5 years and
one that hasn't for 8+ years. They're daring people to leave and bluffing
that you won't find something better. Time to call their bluff and raise the
ante. Better off out. -Ma Linger-
Comment
06/28/08:
Salary = 35,000
Band Level = 4
Job Title = technician
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = microelectronics
Location = fishkill
Message = It is insulting to read people that are band 7 through 9 making
85 to 120K per year and complaining that they recieved no raise or barely
any at all this year. Are you kidding me? You make that much and you complain?
Half the workforce at IBM does not make 1/2 your salary. You should be ashamed
to even post here -insulted-
Alliance Reply: The dichotomy of salarys and wages has always existed within
IBM. The reality of IBM's US workforce is that they are diverse in job classification,
salary, and description. The point that Alliance@IBM is trying to make is,
that ALL of the IBM employees are affected by IBM's management policies; that
offer no recourse for the employees, other than leaving or staying if they
are unhappy; or simply fired. With a union contract, the structure of job
classification, salary, and description can be changed for the betterment
of ALL the union employees. It can be negotiated by the union employees and
their representatives. But first; you need to organize and join together for
that common goal. There are several companies in the US that already enjoy
a contract and a work environment, that they were involved in making. It can
be a reality for IBM employees, too.
Comment
06/28/08:
There once was a saying in America, "What's good for General
Motors is good for the country". I use to feel that way about IBM. When
you took care of your company in the past , the company took care of you .
I wonder how many people feel that way today. When I see a contract win for
the company today, it's still good for the exec's and the company of course,
but what about the companies employees.... and what about America as a country.
This years message that was sent recently should be read loud and clear. You
are just a number on a spread sheet, replaceable by foreign labor. You don't
like the wage cut, quit, it will save us from having to offer you a severance
package in the next round of layoffs. Our profits are up, but why do you think
that you have some sort of God given right to them. It's like psychological
warfare isn't it, this management by fear uncertainty and doubt. I'm tired
of it. I want a contract like the exec's have a contract While speaking of
contracts too, I've been giving some deep thought as to what it means when
this company wins a customer contract. I have to tell you that I am beginning
to not like what I am seeing either. A customer contract win at IBM today
most likely means jobs that they are going offshore. How can that be good
for our country. Every contract win for the company decreases the chances
of you being able to find new employment at a living wage when IBM is done
with you. Each contract win, that results in a competitor laying off people
means more competition for YOUR jobs and a chance to lower YOUR wages. When
your actions cause, let's say 500 jobs to be off shored to India and China,
you're not wining anything. You just put 500 more people out of work in America
and in direct competition to your livelihood. You just lowered your standard
of living another notch via supply and demand of the workers that do what
you do....and there is no one to blame except yourselves. Today, we read in
the paper and on the news wires of Siemens Corp laying off 17,200 people globally.
In the past I would view a competitors loss as IBM's win, Hoo-ray we get another
gain in market share..I mean IBM gains in market share. it's not "we"
anymore it's for them. You see that IBM win doesn't necessarily mean you win
when IBM wins. . Today I see that IBM win as increased competition for my
job and yet another opportunity for the company to churn the workforce. There
are 17,200 more people willing to work and do the jobs that each one of us
are currently doing and for less money. Yeah IBM won big time didn't they..They
gained in potential market share, they increased the available labor pool
by making people unemployed and that is going to depress wages looking forward..and
you help them do it.. but will you see any benefit from it or will you be
rewarded by being given the opportunity to work more hours at the same wage
next year.. My friends now more than ever you need to band together before
it's too late if you want to protect your future. Think about what you are
doing. You know... out of all the things that we do not have control over
in this world there is one thing that you have absolute control over, and
that is YOU are the one that gets to set the standard for how you expect to
be treated. You want respect, you need to demand respect it's up to each and
every one of you to set the standard. So maybe you should think about that
when you are spending this Fourth of July holiday with your family at the
BBQ. Twenty years from now will you kids be proud of you and what you have
done, the future opportunities that you have created or will you be viewed
as someone that help destroy this great nations leadership position and our
standards of living because you just rolled over. Think about it people .
"You gotta stand for something, or you're gonna fall for anything"
.Have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday . ttyl -spiderman-
Comment
06/28/08:
Salary = 99K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Dreaded IT Specialist
Years Service = 33
Location = Atlanta
Message = To "I don't care anymore" I have it from an unimpeachable
source that the 7600 employees were were rebanded were NOT eligible for
salary increases this year. I was told this was specifically spelled out
in the salary plan tool. So, I'm with you, I don't care anymore and haven't
for a log time. This is the 2nd year in a row I have received no raise even
though a consistent 2+ performer. I'm retiring this year and have the old
pension plan so I'm not as impacted as some. I feel really sorry for those
employees who are not in my position. My advice, get out now it will NOT
get better, only worse. I've watched this company errode for years and while
it breaks my heart to remember what IBM used to be like, now it's just another
company to work for, and not one of the best anymore. -Really Bummed-
Comment
06/27/08:
Salary = $120K
Band Level = 9
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 30
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = GTS
Location = Florida
Message = 2.8% Raise for PBC=1. Mgmt BS about how lucky I should feel to get
that. What a crock. Happy to get something and feel bad for others that got
less, but the whole Salary and Growth Driven Profit plans are badly broken
and essentially de-motivators. -BOHICA-
Comment
06/27/08:
Salary = 63000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = PM
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 30-40
Div Name = 7
Location = NC
Message = well out of 12 years I missed getting a raise 1 time and that was
about 7 years ago.....so 11 out of 12, I guess I am doing above avg...as for
raises, they avg from 3 to 7% a year, 2 promotions also ...been a 2+ last
several years , been a 1 a few times beofre that...VP also avg from 3 - 6
% ..i dont kill myself but I am there when needed, add my points and suggestions...and
everyone is happy -the exception?-
Comment
06/27/08:
It would be interesting for people to include the number of years
since their last raise in the "Raise and Salary" information. I
bet for most people, it's been more than just a couple. -Been a long
time-
Comment
06/27/08:
Salary = 5000
Band Level = bachelor
Job Title = translator
Years Service = 0.5year
Hours/Week = 20
Div Name = xiaoqi
Location = china
Message = you can say this you can say that but you can say nothing without
evidence -Anonymous-
Comment
06/27/08:
Salary = not enough
Band Level = 8
Hours/Week = 60+
Div Name = IGS
Message = Ok, listen folks......I really feel for those of your who did not
get any raise this year. I guess I'm writing this to let everyone know that
even the folks who did get a raise got next to nothing. I was one of the lucky
ones who received a raise. Do you know what they gave me? 19.87 extra per
MONTH. Our dept is banding together and planning on working 3-4% less this
year because of the crappy or non-existent raises. (Inflation is running about
4%, so those who didn't receive anything are cutting back 4% of their time,
while the ones who received 1% will cut back 3% of the time). We're still
doing our honest days work, however, we are giving back to the company what
they are willing to pay. If they believe the are paying us adequately, and
we do not deserve a raise to at least compensate for inflation, then they
must be right, We can't continue to work those long hours anymore because
IBM doesn't pay for them. They've streamlined and given us the LEAN process...how
about the employees LEAN ibm, and only give IBM what they are paying for.
-I'm a Bozo-
Comment
06/27/08:
STILL haven't heard whether I got a raise or not. I figure I'll find
out tomorrow when I see my June 30th pay stub. How disrespectful IBM! TRUST
and RESPONSIBILTY IN ALL RELATIONSHIPS doesn't just apply to dealing with
customers or does it? Treat us like people. Like employees. Not like a blanket
resource. COMMUNICATE to us IBM! -justaresource-
Alliance reply: Don't expect IBM to heed your words. IBM is a brick wall.
It can only be penetrated by a collective force. Organize your co-workers.
Don't ask IBM for anything. Demand it, collectively. When IBM employees realize
that they can be a force to be reckoned with; IBM Management will see the
wall come tumbling down. Help Tear Down The Wall!
Comment
06/26/08:
Back in February about 7600 I/T Specialists and System Admins in job family
06A were made non-exempt and were shafted with a 15% base pay cut since IBM
says they couldn't afford to do business with their customers without it and
these folks could make the difference with additional approved OT.
Only a few hundred of the 7600 did any type or protesting or any action whatsoever.
Some folks were glad IBM made the move since they perceive they can work or
continue to work more overtime to not only compensate themselves back to their
previous pay level but beat it. This is a bad assumption.
Once this pay cut happened it should have signalled and told the rest who
were "thankfully not affected" to take notice that the June raises
had to be bad from IBM. Whenever IBM does a take you don't get a positive
give going forward. IBM now gave out lousy raises if resources got one at
all. IBM is saying tough times going forward and that is a reason to hold
back raise amounts and opportunities for one so the company can remain cost
effective and competitive. This will undoubtable apply to OT opportunities
as well. See what rewards we got for a stellar 2007 profit and revenue gaining
year? The rewards = less and not more.
If IBM can only give us a 0-4% (more like 1-2%) raise out of the bucket or
so now the OT pay bucket has to be just constrainded as well.
The OT opportunity window is closing for those I/T Specialists who will soon
will have to make do with 85% of their former salary.
So don't do what the majority of the 15% pay cut victims did not do enough
of and not do anything and believe everything from IBM about it.
Here is some necromancy:
Think of this latest raise cycle as step 1 as in getting a lousy or non existent
raises. Step 2 is forcing you to take a pay cut even if you were not one of
the 7600, then the next step is 3 and is being managed out of your job. RA'ed,
or just plain dismissed..
This will not happen to you? Well those 7600 specialists didn't think so but
it bit them as a start!
It doesn't have to be this progression. Get a contract, Believe in the power
of collective bargaining tro secure rights for you job!
YOU need to TAKE A PROACTIVE STANCEtand DO YOUR PART and JOIN the Alliance
and work to make sure IBM will play by the rules and recognize all of us as
the reason why they are in business and make money and be treated not like
a work $ resource but as an employee again.
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/26/08:
Salary = 52,000 after 2% TCR
Band Level = 07
Job Title = Technical Services Prof
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 45-ish + education
Location = Northeast
Message = I really think the raises come down to three things: where you are
compared to midpoint for your band, how your immediate team lead rates you
compared to other team members (I used to be a TL so I know that we are asked
to rate those who are essentially our peers for our managers input) and whether
your manager actually knows/likes you. Any one of these three things fails
you and it is inevitable that you'll slip further down the list for raises
since the bucket is apparently too small for all of us. Someone here commented
upon getting no raise at $52,000 for a band 6. I've just reached your current
pay with my 2% raise (TCR, there was no MBA) as a band 7. They're not looking
at absolute dollars; they're looking at where you fall on a sliding scale
and whether your peers and managers think and speak well of you. I don't think
they have much else to go on and I don't think they use the PBCs in any meaningful
way unless you are on the way out. The bucket is finite and it's divided up
by how much you're making now compared to midpoint and how well folks think
you do your job. To the "Old IBMer" who got a raise while already
being 10% over midpoint: either you're a ringer sowing dissent (which is just
so tiresome) or someone really likes you and is protecting you. It's an anomaly
that throws off the curve so it's either BS or you're an exception to the
system for another reason, most likely folks up your food chain who like you
and are pulling in raises for you for personal rather than professional reasons
since it runs counter to the system. That's not something to brag about.
-10yr beemer-
Comment
06/25/08:
Salary
= 115K
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior IT Consultant
Years Service = 2.5
Hours/Week = 50 - 60
Div Name = GTS
Location = New Jersey
Message =
Prior Year PBC: 2+
Prior Year Bonus: 4%
Prior Year Raise: 4%
This Year PBC: 2+
This year Bonus: 4%
This Year Raise: 1%
Will be out of here next month: Sign on Bonus: 25K Salary: ~8% more -New
Jerseyan-
Comment
06/25/08:
Salary = 113000
Band Level = 9
Job Title = Consultant/PM
Years Service = 10
Div Name = 6C
Location = US Eastern Time Zone
Message = No raise. Again. Consistent 2+ performer. Only IT Architects received
raises in my department. Blue Page manager told me that 90% of their employees
did not receive any raise this year. Salary was 102 vs my region average.
What am I supposed to do? Take a traveling job with competitor when right
now I work mainly from home? -Boo-Ya-
Comment
06/25/08:
Salary = $103,000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory Engineer
Years Service = 10
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = STG
Location = New York
Message = 2+ performer, 3.5% bonus, no raise again for the fourth time in
the last five years. All of my costs are going up, gas, food, insurance, taxes,
etc. but I get nothing. No raise is like a 5% pay cut with inflation where
it is now. As others have pointed out, stockholders are rewarded (dividend
increase and huge stock buyback), IBM has record revenues and earnings, yet
employees do not share in the success. I've worked my butt off meeting deadlines
the past few months. Now what is my incentive to continue to work hard if
I get no reward ? I think I'll stop trying so hard - or rather, put my energy
into finding another job. -unrewarded-
Comment
06/25/08:
Salary = 120000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = GTS
Message = I've worked for IBM for over a decade in Asia Pacific. Almost always
had rating 1's.... I've had several years where I had no raise at all. Looks
like the 'no raise' policy is global this year :-( Why bother killing myself...no
more. -NoRaise-
Comment
06/25/08:
Salary = 140000
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 05
Message = PBC 2+, 3% raise, low comparing to other major competitors, even
the industry standard. -IBMer-
Comment
06/24/08:
Salary = 68000 with Overtime
Band Level = 4
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 16
Hours/Week = 40 to 50 +
Div Name = 48
Location = South
Message = Rated 2 + 3.5% raise -BlueandBeatenUp-
Comment
06/24/08:
(( 200 career beheadings today. Churn that work force baby. Fire 'em
in Burlington, hire 'em in Bangalore. In all sincerity, I wish the best of
luck to the families and communities of those affected. )) IBM Corp. cut about
200 jobs in its Microelectronics Division today, most of them at its Burlington,
Vt., semiconductor plant, the company confirmed. http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080624/BUSINESS/80624011-spiderman-
Comment
06/24/08:
Salary = 67680
Band Level = 6
Years Service = 2
Location = Essex Junction - Regional Market
Message = Salary 103% of market value. Yearly market range 43,000 - 87,420.
Regional market. No Raise. You do the math.... -Facts-
Comment
06/24/08:
2+ Performer
0% Raise -- Again!
I'm tired of training my GL replacement. I'm giving up and giving myself a
raise in sick days. My global counterpart will be clueless trying to close
the quarter. -anon-
Comment
06/24/08:
to saw_the_light: First, there is no union to join, just an effort
to get one started. Second, your manager has about .001% more authority than
you do. They're more of supervisors these days. They really have no say in
anything. The can't MAKE anybody keep you exempt, and their opinion about
it to those who can make a difference pulls about as much weight as your opinion
does. A first line manager fighting for employee rights is just useless in
IBM - it simply doesn't matter. And when first line managers start siding
with grunt employees over corporate direction, they're moved up on the RA
list, too. The first line manager's role is to be the messenger of the moronic
decisions and directives from the VPs. The managers probably have one of the
toughest jobs lately (since its [lack of] raise time. They're given a $5 bill
and told to divvy it up against their top performers, and probably told "if
you have too many 1s or 2+s, pick names out of a hat - the first X number
of people you draw get a raise". It's really sad, but don't rip on your
manager when he/she can't do anything. -wake_up-
Comment
06/24/08:
Band Level = 8
Job Title = The dreaded "I/T Specialist"
Years Service = 11
Message = I got 2.5% being a 2+ there was no MBA funding so that is all TCR.
8539 is the midpoint monthly salary accoding to the paper I was given, I'm
21% into my band range with my increase. You would think that someone rated
consistently above average (2+) would be doing better than way below the midpoint,
but I know there are much worse stories than mine out there. My advice to
everyone is to do what you feel is right for you. -Losing
Ground-
Comment
06/24/08:
-Old IBMer: Your days are very much numbered in IBM now, I'm
afraid. Sincerely hope you can survive longer but the odds are stacked against
you tremendously. Band 08's making 120K+ are gonna be cut since you make way
too much by IBM standards. I guess you slipped through the LEAN initiative
actions so far. Consider yourself VERY LUCKY to get a 2% TCR raise. It might
very well be your last. Market based adjustment (MBA) is only for those folks
paid way, way, way below band midpoint like band 8's being paid in the 70'sK
and 80'sK range if the job family is determined to be able to get an MBA.
I haven't heard of many MBA's given out so far. Maybe 2nd and 3rd line managers
and higher got one! Who needs the Alliance? You do now! Or let LEAN find you
and you'll be history in IBM. -IBM
LEAN person-
Comment
06/24/08:
Band Level = 08
Job Title = I/T Specialist (but not job family 06A)
Years Service = too many
Hours/Week = depends on mood or when spirit moves me
Div Name = 1K
Message = 2+ PBC, 1.75% TCR, 0% MBA despite being 25% or so below supposedly
the band midpoint (I think it's more than that). WORST raise I ever got (when
I did get a raise that is). We keep hearing from the Armonk spin morons that
we had record profits and solid revenue growth last year and a great 1st QTR
2008. I'm TIRED of those line or business scorecard pep talk memos after every
qtr. how we are doing and how we gotta make 2008 the best year for IBM ever.
Cheap bastards running the three ring circus acts in IBM now! Organize now
folks. It's your only fading hope now. GO Alliance! -anonymous-
Comment
06/24/08:
Location = IBM Japan
Message = Reliable source says that "without exception" everyone
rated either 3 or 4 at IBM Japan is getting a 5-10 percent pay cut. I have
at least one confirmed data point for this. Rumour has it that salary can
even be reduced below the "minimum pay" for the band. Huh?!?!? -Amazed-
Comment
06/24/08:
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 20
Hours/Week = 48.5
Div Name = 6C
Message = Is it true that employees in the IT Specialist job family received
no raises? I was rated at 2+ and received no raise. I'm on a dead end project
with the business manager running the show with no idea how to run a development
project (I have spoon fed this person and the SPM has no backbone - worthless).
-IDontCareAnymore-
Comment
06/24/08:
Salary = 104,000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = The dreaded I/T Specialist
Years Service = 21
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 16
Location = Washington DC
Message = 0% raise. No MBA for I/T Specialists. I'm taking the first bus outta
here. There's no hope for IBM. -marbles-
Comment
06/23/08:
Salary = 123K
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 28
Hours/Week = 40
Message = Rated 2+, 10% over band midpoint, got a 2%TCR raise (no MBA) and
about 6% variable pay amount this year. Who needs the Alliance? -Old
IBMer-
Comment
06/23/08:
I finally saw the light and joined the Alliance. I know many have said this
but I am going to say it again. Join the union. It is our only hope. I am
a 30 year IBMer and never was pro union before. I always loved IBM and felt
valuable and respected as a person/individual and a professional. Obviously
not any more. The pay cut then the no raises was the last straw. I work in
GPS and over 80% of us in the U.S. did not get raises. Our managers let us
down a while ago by not fighting to keep us exempt and by hiring more and
more IBMers from South America and Asia. I respect them as people and as IBMers
but none of them got a pay cut and all of them got increases. So much for
the selling-out of America. -saw the light-
Comment
06/23/08:
Salary = 52,000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3.5
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = 6c
Location = Tulsa
Message = I'm worn out and no longer motivated to remain loyal to IBM. Stock
is almost doubled and we had a great quarter with raised dividends yet I get
no performance pay, market based adjustments do not apply to me and my promotion
to band 7 was blocked despite objections from my first and second level supervisor.
I'm in the market for another job unless something can change quick with IBM.
From what i have read and heard, I just need a new job. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/23/08:
A whopping 1% for a 1. Showing myself the door. -LookingForDoor-
Comment
06/23/08:
Salary = 67,075/yr
Band Level = 7
Job Title = advisory learning specialist
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 45
Div Name = BTO-HR
Location = teleworker
Message = I was rated a "solid" 2 (which I know from the old IBM
was a 3) but told by my mgr that they submitted me as a 2+ but it was shot
down. So because I am at 94% of my midpoint salary range I'm not entitled
to a raise this year. And in fact was told that according to my manager's
manager that even some "1's" are not getting raises. So it makes
you wonder exactly who is getting the money from our stellar perfomances quarter
after quarter!?!?!? -T-
Comment
06/22/08:
Exodus and Shocked - 41% over 5 years is closer to 7% annually over
5 years. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/21/08:
To -shocked- Thats 8.2 percent per year. About cost of living
and 1 percent merit. Not outrageous. It will be amazing when IBM is successfully
organized how nice raises will happen again for IBMers too. -Exodus
2007-
Comment
06/21/08:
To Leaving: I believe you are fighting a losing cause. IBM's official
stance is that you don't lose vacation days rolled over from year to year,
but in the following years, you just don't accumulate those days. A lot of
double speak, but the net effect is use it or lose it. -John-
Comment
06/20/08:
Salary = 60000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = pm
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 30-40
Div Name = 7
Message = if a union is ever formed we need to hire the guy who handled the
johnson city fire dept contract...he got them a 41 % increase over 5 years!!!
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS01/806200352&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
-shocked-
Comment
06/20/08:
TO -silent majority- You are kidding right?? The Alliance is why you
did not get a raise? Leave YOU alone? Why are you even here posting on the
ALLIANCE website if you want to be left alone? Go away. Go stick your head
in the sand and your thumb up your ass and maybe you will get a raise next
year, ROFLMAO. Dont make waves and no one will notice you huh. Wow Alliance,
if you can cause IBM to not give raises, just think what power you will have
when you actually represent someone and can negotiate with IBM. Maybe the
UAW or the Teamsters are why I didn't get raises . After all they didn't represent
me either so it must be their fault. IBM may see that you posted here -silent
majority- and then you will never get a raise. Why are people so scared
of IBM management when most Managers are so lazy they couldn't find their
own asses with both hands and two tries. All jobs that can be done cheaper
overseas will be sent overseas. "Maybe next year "has been working
for IBM for over 10 years now so why should they change. All is quiet here
except for the faint bleating of the sheep. -Exodus2007-
Comment
06/20/08:
To -silent majority- ..... IBM Headquarters and your division
HR have you right where they want you, both psychologically and financially.
The Alliance is here to help, not hurt, and they were NO FACTOR with you being
denied a raise - that was Sammy, MacDonald, your divisional VP and their supporting
HR team. Think hard and critically with all the facts and maybe it is time
to the support the Alliance. Better to have a contract that defines, no matter
what, the PBC 1 you worked hard to earn is rewarded with a GOOD raise. I choose
to be a player, not a pawn on the chess board. I choose to be the herder,
not the goat. -another IBM serial#-
Comment
06/20/08:
Band Level = 6
Years Service = 2
Message = Got a 4% raise, after my pbc 2. I am at +70% in my market base.
Bonus last year was 5%. I guess I cant complain, but it all goes to gas prices...
-Skippy-
Comment
06/20/08:
re this - this band 7 employee with 2 years is very much over payed.
Hope he or she enjoys it. Curious why they are complaining.-why are
they complaining?-
Salary = 110,000
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 45 worked 60 with travel
Div Name = 5
Location = "Cheap" according to IBM Message = Pathetic - first I'm
screwed out of a 2+ or 1 even with top PA ratings by being told that I didn't
do enough "giveback" now my 2 PBC entitles me to no raise. This
after the pathetic 3% bonus. IBM would rather hire new blood from the endless
well of MBA's rather than invest in their employees. I'm about done with this
crap company. -anonymous-
Comment
06/20/08:
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory
Years Service = 20+
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = STG
Location = Rochester
Message = PBC 2+, 2% raise. Heard IBM focusing on variable pay instead of
raises. -Anon-
Comment
06/20/08:
I have tracked the comments on the Alliance website for some time.
I joined it a month ago after much exhortation online to do so. Not sure what
to do next. I keep reading comments from the Alliance that encourage members
to solicit our coworkers to also join, organize, etc. This is a problem; I
am still working now and I don't believe there would not be retribution, just
that I could never prove it. So, like the old days of speakups, or Open Doors,
I fear that any next steps I take, unless done privately, will be to my detriment.
Any comments? -Stillatbigblue-
Alliance reply: to any member or supporter who has a question like this please
call us at (607) 729-4571 or email at bboru11@yahoo.com
To answer your question: If you are going to actively recruit your co-workers
in the open it is best to be a public member/organizer. That means we know
and we let management know. You have more legal protection that way. You have
a legal right to join, assist or form a union under US law.
There are rules you need to follow regardless if you are public or will recruit
privately.
First of all, the time to talk with your co-workers about joining is during
break, lunch, before and after work--and in non-work areas. You can talk about
unions and the Alliance anytime (just like you can talk about sports), but
solicitation to join is different.
If you know of a co-worker who is interested, you can always send us their
contact information and we will send them information and contact them if
need be. Also document your activities. We are sure that some of our public
members will also respond here as well.
Comment
06/20/08:
Salary = 60k
Band Level = 7
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 3
Message = Hi everyone, I have a question I hope someone here can answer. I
am in the process of resigning from IBM and am trying to get paid for unused
vacation. This year I have accrued 7 days, and last year I only used 5. Shouldn't
that start me out with 10 for the year and put me at my cap of 15? I am currently
being denied the extra days, and I want to know if I'm right or if I'm fighting
a losing cause. Can someone point me to some proof, one way or another? IBM
w3-01.ibm.com (Internal
link) is the best I can come up with so far. Thanks! -Leaving-
Comment
06/20/08:
Manager told my colleague that we were lucky to have a job instead
of asking for a raise. PBC 2+ :: Raise 3% -Unhappy-
Comment
06/20/08:
Salary = 110,000
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 45 worked 60 with travel
Div Name = 5
Location = "Cheap" according to IBM
Message = Pathetic - first I'm screwed out of a 2+ or 1 even with top PA ratings
by being told that I didn't do enough "giveback" now my 2 PBC entitles
me to no raise. This after the pathetic 3% bonus. IBM would rather hire new
blood from the endless well of MBA's rather than invest in their employees.
I'm about done with this crap company. -anonymous-
Comment
06/20/08:
Let me be first to go out on a limb here and tell all of you that
next years raises will suck out loud also. And the year after that and the
year after that if you do not unionize. Folks will get RA'd year after year.
Folks will be forced to train their replacements year after year and no matter
what you do you will not be properly rewarded for your hard work and the devastating
impact to your family the stress you are under causes. Read the boards and
see that even those who achieved the ever elusive ONE rating did not all get
raises. It DOES NOT MATTER how hard you work or how many hours you give the
company to appease a boss who just laughs at you behind your back.You will
not get ahead of anyone else in the long run. You may as well give up on the
phony merit raises and pay for performance bullshit IBM has fed you all these
years and understand you will be better off with a union. An across the board
raise is better then no raise at all. Who gives a shit that Smythe or Jones
gets the same raise as you and may not deserve it as long as you get one it
will be better then it is now. Get a say in your working conditions. Force
proper staffing . Your LOSING money year after year as the cost of living
and inflation outpace your meager increases and bonuses. Live Better. Work
Union. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/20/08:
Well so much for the raises this year, let's look forward shall we.
So let me ask you... why is anything going to be different come June 2009?
From a company perspective everything is just fine isn't it. The company is
making money, the executives are still living high. With the energy crisis
going on there will still be no pricing power to raise prices that IBM charges
it customers in 2009 and so that leaves them with the current operating formula/business
model. Churn the workforce thru off shoring, and H1-b labor. Hell the number
of college educated graduates in India and China exceeds the total population
of the USA why stop. It's a winning formula. Oh yeah, sure, you'll get some
whining and some employees will moan and vent on some of the internet bulletin
boards but so what they are not going to do anything it's the same stuff every
year so why change? Why change if you're the company, there's no consequences
no pain that they are incurring with the current plan. I don't know boys.
You guys are cutting not only your own throat, but everyone else around you.
Every IBM contract win to help offshore work keeps you employed MAYBE in the
short term but each and every day that goes by you are devastating your own
job market and your future... don't you guys get it, don't you guys see it.
You are helping to destroy your own future not secure it. Now go help some
more companies move offshore we'll see ya'll at the wal-mart collecting shopping
carts working part time soon if you don't wake up! -Big Al-
Comment
06/20/08:
PBC 1 = 0%. IBM pay for performance. What a crock. Who is running
this asylum called IBM? At least if I had a union contract I know I would
get something. -anonymous-
Comment
06/19/08:
I am a proud PBC "1" IBMer and I got no raise. I always
got a raise and this is the first year in my IBM career I got no raise. Leave
me and the rest of us alone, Alliance. Maybe you are to blame for all this.
I need IBM since there ain't no jobs around and most of us feel the same way.
-silent majority-
Comment
06/19/08:
Message = Hey those in job family 06A: Nice raise huh? A big fat 0
for alot of ya after some of you getting a -15% up the butt pay adjustment.
For all you affected with little or no raise that read this and haven't joined
the Alliance yet: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!!!!!!!!! Even an average union
contract will give you more of a raise in writing and enforcable by USA NLRB
law. Ok, you don't want to join. Ok, then if you still want to work for IBM:
what motivation do you to work for IBM now especially if you got a PBC "1"
or "2+" in 2007? And you in the majority who are PBC "2"
you are getting ripped (off) by IBM! If you don't want to join and are looking
to leave IBM, then just leave now. If your not part of the solution; yoiu
are part of the problem: period. Oh, sure, you can get a job paying much more
anywhere in the USA..iff it was that easy in this crummy USA recession economy.
THINK and THINK TWICE! -raise hell now-
Comment
06/19/08:
Message = To: IBM USA Resources
From: IBM CHQ Armonk
Want a raise USA resources? Sorry. You have to work in either IBM Brazil,
Russia, India , or China.
We have to not give you a raise or much of a raise to be truly cost effective
in this new global economy and world we all love for IBM to survive. I know
you will all understand this. Nothing personal: just good business on our
part. Oh, thanks again for always bleeding blue and working hard for IBM.
We can always count on you for superior performance to keep out customers
happy. And BTW: It makes our stock options more valuable! We can always count
on you. Your the best! Thanks, your committed IBM executive team. -CHQ
memo-
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 50K + overtime
Band Level = 4
Job Title = Large System SSR
Hours/Week = 45 average
Message = PBC 2+. 3% pay raise. Inflation plus insurance premium increase
next Year will negate the raise. -Turn out the lights-
Comment
06/19/08:
Message =
Location = Washington DC
3% for a PBC 2+
You did GREAT! What ya complaining 'bout? PBC 1 here and got nada..zilch..zero..the
big goose egg ..nil..nothing in job family 06A I/T Application Programmer.
Merit increaser, TCR, MBA, retention based pay: where is it now? Love this
friggin IBM? NOT -PBC 1 worth crap-
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 94000
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Advisory Engineer
Years Service = 2.5
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SRDC
Location = East Fishkill
Message = 2+ PBC, no MBA and a 1.5% TCR! According to my manager I am 16%
below the target salary level. I was last year too. So basically, over two
years I've lost out on over $30000. If this is the kind of raises we can expect
in a record profits year, then I'm a shorttimer for sure. No reason to bust
my ass for a raise that doesn't even cover the extra cost of gas getting to
work every day.Anyone in STG read Rod Adkins' (RODCOMM) Q&A email where
someone stated that the big reason for the poor morale (i.e. climate) was
the low salaries? His answer completely dodged the question and he basically
said if we focus on improving manufacturing efficiency that our climate will
improve. Riiiight.... So we basically have to work harder, with the same low
pay, to feel happier. Meanwhile, it doesn't matter if microelectronics does
well or not, if the mainframe guys aren't selling, they drag down all of us.
Fortunately, the execs have rolled out meeting efficiency guidelines as a
way to improve climate! Great way to motivate us. (STG has the lowest climate
ratings in the company by the way. Hard to imagine why). I never believed
in unions in the past but I don't see any other way to turn things around
at IBM. Sadly, I don't see many other SRDC folks (mostly Ph.D.'s) interested
in unionizing. -Sam PompousAssano-
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 63500
Band Level = 6
Years Service = 2
Message = If 3% is the reward for a top contributor then I'm glad to go somewhere
else where I'm compensated for my level of responsibility and the quality
of work I produce. In my two years of service I've been insulted twice by
the paltry raises I've received. To top it off, I was awarded the next pdfa
level this year but denied a band promotion. -Leaving_IBM-
Comment
06/19/08:
Message =
Band Level = 8
Message = No raise for 2nd straight year. Met all utilizatio goals. Yes, IBM
will get 48.5 hours on timesheet but I am not working any over 40. I think
most people are getting no raise this year. I hate the BS the manager attempts
to justify the decision with - economy, IT spending, etc. The message was
you are lucky to have a job. Just riding out this job until I find a better
job (I prefer to get laid off and take a package if one is available). Where
the hell is this country going? -DontCareAnymore-
Comment
06/19/08:
Band Level = 10
Message = Send the execs a message. Blue flu time. And if you lucky enough
to be invited to participate in the Global Pulse Survey, respond "5"
to everything. Execs are rated on how well they improve their scores. They
give you poor ratings, return the favor. -madashell-
Comment
06/19/08:
Band Level = 7
Message = 2+ PBC, 0 % raise, why bother for this year? I am just over the
MBA, no TCR at all. News announced that inflation in my area is 4.5 %. Does
this mean I should work 4.5 % less ? -moreofthesame-
Comment
06/19/08:
Band Level = 10
Message = 3 years in a row I am told zero raise too high in pay scale etc
etc. It is freaking amazing that after record year, record quarters they can't
give ya 100$ a month more. Hey Sam choke on that raise you're getting and
by the way the devil doesn't take cash or credit. Sam you are a shame to the
legacy of this company. -getting frustrated-
Alliance
Reply: Did
it ever occur to you, that organizing your co-workers would be a better spend
of your energy? Sam never did care about you or your raises. A union
contract does. Join
Allliance@IBM
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 28,200
Band Level = 2
Job Title = operator
Years Service = 11
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = microelectronics
Location = essex vt
Message = only a band 2 doing band 3-4 job 1 performer on my pbc got me 3%
most in the dept my manager said ......why ?? rumor has it we are just lucky
to have a job -a-
Comment
06/19/08:
Location = Washington DC
Message = PBC 2+ TCR 3% Complete Joke!! -Anonymous-
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 77000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Senior Consultant
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 60
Div Name = 7
Location = Bay Area
Message = My salary after 2 years at IBM is equivalent to my university average
entry salary for CS major. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/19/08:
Salary = 61000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = software engineer
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = swg
Location = austin
Message = How much did other people in band 6 get as a raise? -Anonymous-
Comment
06/18/08:
"1 appraisal earned me a 0% raise this year. YMMV."
Congrats! My 1 appraisal earned me a -13% "raise". -Anonymous-
Comment
06/18/08:
In regards to all the complaints about low raises. With IBM's financial status,
the fact it had good earnings, etc - 1-2% does not reflect that (as is obvious
by all of us). What IBM is most likely doing is weeding us out - it's been
said before, but worth stating again now that everbody's getting poor/no raises
- it's cheaper if people quit IBM rather than having to lay people off with
a package. Do you think for one minute that if somebody quits, their manager
is putting up a job postings? Managers have to get, like, a gazillion level
of approvals just to put a job posting out there - last I heard, VP level
approval. One less body is more money saved to IBM. -anonymous-
Comment
06/18/08:
Rated a 1 on PBC, got a 4% raise, I am at bottom of my band pay. Was told
that some 1 and 2+ performers did not get any increase. Guess the "big
boys" kept all the increases for themselves...... -Not impressed-
Comment
06/18/08:
1% increase in fishkill, almost disgusting. There is no daylight, NONE! Get
out or die Maybe only way is to drop dead on the job so your family can collect
the life insurance! -hallowed be thy name-
Comment
06/17/08:
Today was the first day that managers were allowed to talk about the salary
plan in my org. Salary sheets are being distributed. As rumored, job family
24A employees got zero market based adjustment, just like last year. Employees
were discussing a work slowdown (examples - no or minimal overtime, no weekend
work, not being available offshift by turning your cellphone off, etc.). No
need to bust your backside any more than you have to, since the pay has flat-lined
and IBM is no longer loyal to their employees. IBM has broken that virtual
contract. Doing less than the best is major culture shift for IBM employees,
but putting out the bare minimum across the board is what needs to be done,
since that's exactly what IBM executive management is giving us - the minimum
they can get away with. What can they do, layoff all of us? (which they're
going to do eventually anyway once the GRs can handle the work). Of course,
the executives aren't sharing in the misery of virtually frozen pay for several
years. There were some conversations about the potential for disgruntled workers
to deliberately sabotage things. Not a smart thing to do, since that will
get you fired on the spot. In a word - don't. -Frank-
Comment
06/17/08:
Div Name = stg
Location = East Fishkill
Message = Well we received our raises yesterday....what a joke. 1.5%-2.5%.
There is no point of giving us that.....they will take it back when we re-up
on our insurance!!!! Get out of IBM!!! -JL-
Comment
06/17/08:I
also used the automated phone employment verification trick in past years
to learn about my raise weeks before my manager gave me the info, if I got
it at all. I just received one through email using the new system so either
the trick no longer works or I didn't get a red cent (I got a 1). -Fellow
Slave-
Comment
06/17/08:
Not deaf ears. Sam the Sham and his Pharohs listen to their accountants and
investment counselors just fine. They just don't give a damn about you, your
situation, your family or you slowly starving as you lose buying power year
after year. Your loss is their gain. It must not hurt you very badly because
you have not,
1. Unionized. or
2. Quit. so your work conditions must suit you fine. After all you are an
at will employee under no contract obligation to stay. You can leave or organize
whenever you want. You as a collective group have done neither so you must
not want your piece of the profit pie badly enough to do something about it.
Sam the Sham and his cronies on the other hand are organized. They have emplyment
contracts with Golden parachutes. Every penny you leave on the bargaining
table they gladly grab up to invest for their families future. That you are
not at the bargaining table means its all theirs as far as they are concerned.
Why does anyone care if they can see what their paltry raise is before they
are told. Do you get more if you scoop your manager?
No! You can't spend it until it shows up in your paycheck anyway . If you
want respect from management then organize. Until you are represented by an
organized legally voted in union with collective bargaining powers etc you
are nothing but an individual trying to standup to a mega corporation. As
an individual your whole bargaining power consists of if I do not get what
I want I will quit. When IBM says go ahead and quit you are POWERLESS. In
unity there is strength. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/17/08:
Has ANYONE heard anything from their manager precisely about what their raise
might or might not be by now? Has anyone gotten the 2008 Salary sheet documenting
it yet? Are managers that friggin busy to not give us the news now? If not,
then when the hell are we gonna find out? If the folks that got raises, supposedly
on June 1st, then we should DEMAND IBM to disclose it NOW to us!!! Why don't
we all do virtual work until we find out? -still waiting-
Alliance
Reply: You can demand all you want from IBM; but as long as you
are an "At Will Employee", they will not even acknowledge your demands.
Getting your co-workers to organize, and THEN take action collectively, would
be the best choice. If all you are going to do is complain on this board,
and nothing else, nothing will change. Organize your co-workers!
Comment
06/17/08:
We had our meeting today so that our manager could explain the 2008 IBM Salary
Plan. The fact that she could explain it with a straight face was very impressive.
To be brief, we were told that although IBM was having a very good year and
the stock was up, the forecast for the remainder of the year called for tough
times (wonder when Sam will make Wall Street aware of these coming tough times)
Next we were told that we did not win a couple of large contracts lately due
to the fact that we were too expensive. Therefore, the company needed to keep
expenses in check. Only the 1 performers will be seeing an increase this year.
What a bunch of BS! -Anonymous-
Comment
06/16/08:
1 appraisal earned me a 0% raise this year. YMMV. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/15/08:
For a company like IBM to say that they consider it best to give managers
more time to handle the raise situation is just pure BS! Do you think we will
get access back to the my compensation w3 web site come 6/16/2008 or do you
think we have to wait till 7/1/2008 to get access back? Either way I know
I will HEAR about my raise either by the my compensation web page or in my
June 30th paycheck NOT from my manager. I just don't feel one ounce of respect
as a resource in IBM anymore and this is solid proof of it. IBM HR, Randy,
Sam, and the rest of blue pigs: it's clear you have deaf ears. If communication
was really in your appraisals your all a pathetic PBC 4! -Anonymous-
Comment
06/14/08:
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Adv Software Engineer
Years Service = 9
Hours/Week = 60,70,80,***
Div Name = Software Group
Location = Massachusetts
Message = How many more times is this company going to tell me how I make
too much money and I don't deserve a raise? I haven't gotten so much as a
cost of living increase in 6 years.... (we got "purchased" by IBM)
what does that mean...slave labor? indentured servitude? cmon...sam's gotta
make his 40mil a year? if Lou was still around I'm sure we'd understand more
about what was going on other than being kept in the dark... -disgusted-with-it-all-
Comment
06/14/08:
To "easymath", your post dated 6/13: the 6% interest is a per-year
figure, so as Sam Palmacrappo delays our raises by one month, he only gets
one-twelth of the interest, or $90K (1/12 of $1,080,000, in your example).
Nevertheless your line of reasoning is correct, IBM gets the interest from
our delayed raises. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/13/08:
But my contract calls for 5 percent per year for 3 years. Oh, thats right,
no contract. Guess you get what you get. Did someone ask why a union?? I have
never seen such a large group of people fight so hard for longer hours and
shorter pay. Everyone who is unhappy with their raise should join the alliance
. Consider it a better investment then a night school course and much cheaper.
If everyone does it then for a mere $120.00 a year you will get better cheaper
benefits, better work hours and defined raises. and a say in a lot more things
to do with your work environment as long as you vote for them . With a CONTRACT
the board of directors may have to take money from SAMMY for poor performance
instead of making YOU pay FOR him. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/13/08:
In regards to the delayed pay increases, let me ask this question. When the
average wall street investor compares the companies results for the quarter
ending in June this year against last years results in June... will they take
in consideration the delayed pay raise. I'm assuming of course that the companies
objective is to shift the recording of the wage increases this year for whatever
reason into the next quarter on the balance sheet. Obfuscation? You tell me.
Come on you got tera-flops and giga-bytes hooked together with laser light
communications and high speed wireless...you got MBA's, and PHD's and PM's
with BA's and BSCS's holding spread sheets, flow charts, and power point presentations
so why should there be a delay for ANYTHING from a schedule time. Especial
something so simple that it is an annual event. Now you think about that.
If I were an outside company looking in, it would make me wonder why with
all the horsepower and all the manpower that you have why can you not accomplish
things on time. Oh yeah there's probably a good reason for the delays I'll
bet. You're just privy to it yet. BTW are the new H1-B visa holders in your
department yet? -a-
Comment
06/13/08:
Salary = less and less
Band Level = who gives a...
Job Title = 15% I/T pay cut tester
Years Service = 1 to many
Hours/Week = too much for too little
Div Name = IBMiscrap
Location = everywhere
Message = yep, holding the raises until June 30th since it is the end of 2nd
QTR. If the executives make their 2nd QTR targets the riases will be a $.01
more otherwise you'll get plenty less or none at all. Pretty simple math when
you think about it. Since IBM is laughing at all you sheep who still will
look on this website but don't join the Alliance (what is your reason for
now joining???) the more they will shear you with sharpened blades and skin
your hide! JOIN THE ALLIANCE and get your raise in WRITING with a CONTRACT!
Otherwise keep on bleeting shepple. Your making it all so hopeless by not
joining. -a-
Comment
06/13/08:
Here's what weirds me out about the delayed salary info, just throwing numbers
out as an example to illustrate a point: If 300,000 workers average $3000
a month salary and average raise is 2% for them, that's $60/mo times 300,000
people or $18m dollars. 6% interest is $1,080,000. That's a million bucks
in interest collected here in the US, spent overseas and withheld from US
workers to pump back into the faltering economy. This kind of crap is why
we're teetering toward a recession. Why aren't big international businesses
more accountable for business practices that gouge the US economy in ways
both subtle and gross? My numbers may be made up but the math is simple.
-easymath-
Comment
06/12/08:
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE BANDING STRUCTURE OF IBM -MONALISA-
Alliance
Reply: Are
you an IBMer? Are you an Alliance member? Why not read the posts in this and
the other comments sections. You
may find your answer.
Comment
06/11/08:
Hey IBM thieving bastards: R U gonna give us the 2-week's interest retroactively
on June 30th for the raises for June 1st for those select few lucky enough
to see a pittance raise? How cheap can IBM be now? -IBM is cheap as
heck-
Comment
06/11/08:
Salary = $40000
Band Level = 5
Job Title = IT Support
Years Service = 2
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = IGS
Location = Canada
Message = I haven't got a penny in raises due to "tight budget"
while the rest of my team enjoys 4.5% annual raise with 5% bonuses. I say
it's because I am a supp and management doesn't give a dam. -Below Poverty
Line-
Comment
06/11/08:
Years Service = 13
Message = Every year the compensation part of about you is closed during the
June "raise" period. You must be new... They want you to wait until
the one-on-one call from your manager (if some still do that), or the e-mail
of the raise you are not getting because the bucket is still so small...yet
another mind trick by the man... -whatis international biscuit making-
Comment
06/11/08:
Nope, haven't been able to access the 'about you' pages for at least a week.
-about me?-
Comment
06/11/08:
I think it's different for each mgr. Mine says there is no money for MBA for
us at all but more than he thought for TCR. No real idea how to interpret
that. -No real info yet-
Comment
06/11/08:
IBM has to finalize what RA's and layoffs they will do this month and next
first. That's more important to them than the raise cycle. So when the piddly
raises if you get one are announced your manager can tell you "at least
you still have a job". RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL is long dead in IBM.
-anonymous-
Comment
06/11/08:
~Wondering~ That tool is, from previous archived info, always down
during "raise" time so you can hear the dismal news from your mgmt.
-BlueBlows-
Comment
06/10/08:
To wondering - you can't look at the compensation on the HR site because
it is locked down once the new salary structure has been determined. It will
be visible again on the day you get (or don't get) the raise in your paycheck.
This is common practice at ibm for the past several years. -miss understanding-
Comment
06/10/08:
re raises being deferred to end of June, I assume the reason is that IBM doesn't
want to commit to even a minimal raise, for a select group of individuals,
until they have final 2Q results. Right? -re raises-
Comment
06/10/08:
The way the US economy is going with all the corporate outsourcing and off
shoring, I wouldn't be surprise if the raises turned out to be a negative
percentage value instead of a positive one. How much can we take away from
the US workers this week? -sam-
Comment
06/10/08:
Salary = 55000
Band Level = 6
Job Title = SW dev intern
Years Service = 1,3
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = SWG
Location = NY
Message = 55000 $ intern salary -Anonymous-
Comment
06/09/08:
Has anyone tried to look at your compensation on the web page, will not let
me in. -Wondering-
Comment
06/09/08:
Salary = not enough
Band Level = 8
Years Service = 24
Message = Last year, I got a piddly raise. My mgr didn't even have the decency
to talk to me about it. I found out about it when it first appeared in my
paycheck. Talk about respect for the individual being non-existent. -miss
understanding-
Comment
06/09/08:
As far as raises go this year, I've been told that only people rated 1 or
2+ will be getting a raise. Even then the max for a 1 is 4% and 3% for 2+.
To make things really stupid the thimble for raises doesn't even include enough
per manager to give out the max raise to everyone rated 1 and 2+ -tx-
Comment
06/08/08:
Maybe the raise announcements are being delayed because the company is waiting
to see how many of the foreign and H1-B students that are graduating this
year are accepting their job offers. What do you think. If so you know what
comes next! -H1B VISA land-
Comment
06/07/08:
Based on what I have heard from some pretty good pals even though IBM had
a great year, the stock is up, and the executives are fat and happy ... this
will NOT trickle down to the little people... (who's surprised?) Expectations
are that at least 1/3 of US workers will not get any raise, and that those
fortunate enough to get one will not get one big enough to even keep up with
the government's low-ball CPI inflation estimates... Yeah, I know, you all
are SHOCKED the the little folk are getting hosed again.... -Anon-
Comment
06/06/08:
Salary = 59500
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Software Engineer
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = SWG
Location = Austin
Message = Low salaries are the reason why many employees are leaving IBM in
favor of other companies. -Anonymous-
Comment
06/06/08:
Unless you are an executive call it what it is. A raise Thimble. Not a raise
bucket. Amounts as small as raises have gotten would not even wet the bottom
of a bucket. -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/05/08:
I understand any raises will be announced at the end of this month instead
of during the first half of this month like in years past. You will not see
any raise for the 6/15 paycheck. Any raise will be made retroactive to June
1st on the 6/30 paycheck. Why this change from years past? IBM wants to hold
onto as much $ due to the employee as long as they can. So IBM is keeping
2 weeks of employee $ and pockets whatever interest from it they can despite
record profits and solid revenue growth. It's another subtle form of cost
control at the expense of the employee. Next year they might make you wait
till the end of July to see a raise, if any are given out. Cheap bastards.
I want a contract so I will know the exact date when I am getting the $ from
a raise instead of relying on the whim of IBM. -anonymous-
Comment
06/04/08:
My (manager) friend told me that this year raise bucket will be smaller than
last year. They will give you BS about ...yeah eventhough we had a record
profit yr last yr, that was for bonus. Raise bucket is based of the current
market, economy, and the future spending, etc. Another way to screw employee
this year. So, you can expect the raise to be a lot smaller than last year.
-Anonymous-
Comment
06/03/08:
Here is the latest salary survey summary:
Band 2: 5 respondents, avg: $33K, standard deviation: $10K, range: (min/max
reported): $20K to $42K
Band 3: 3 respondents, $34K, std dev: $8K, range: $25K to $41K
Band 4: 11 respondents, avg: $46K, std dev: $10K, range: $32K to $60K
Band 5: 5 respondents, avg: $62K, std dev: $13K, range: $48K to $77K
Band 6: 61 respondents, avg: $56K, std dev: $9K, range: $37K to $78K
Band 7: 125 respondents, avg: $70K, std dev: $12K, range: $48K to $110K
Band 8: 103 respondents, avg: $96K, std dev: $16K, range: $55K to $130K
Band 9: 35 respondents, avg: $119K, std dev: $18K, range: $89K to $152K
Band 10: 11 respondents, avg: $148K, std dev: $25K, range: $107K to $190K
To the Band-3 person who posted on 6/2: your pay of $41K seems to be on the
high end of that band, although the sample size is small (only 3 respondents).
-Anonymous-
Alliance Reply:
As always, on behalf of all Alliance@IBM members; thank you for your efforts
to help us all understand the IBM salary statistics. We hope you have become
a member of Alliance@IBM, at some level. We encourage you to consider it and
to contact us.
Comment
06/03/08:
to -Anon- Sams Raise was pretty robust the last 5 years or so. So were
other executives I'm sure. Proof once again that you only get what you negotiate
in IBM. Not what you deserve. Whats that you say? You didn't negotiate your
salary increases ? You didn't negotiate your benefits and severance and retirement
benefits? Lou did and i"m sure Sammy did too. Its not too late. A succesfull
organization will result in all these things done by trained, experienced
negotiators . With leverage of a strike over IBM's heads we can see how well
they handle pressure. All we have to do is ORGANIZE. Record Profits and no
raises is Bullchit!! -Exodus 2007-
Comment
06/02/08:
Kristine, submit your time for standby over the Holiday as "Worked."
IF your manager recognizes the fact that you submitted a holiday worked for
standby, then ask them to help you submit it properly. Get HR involved at
that point. My opinion is that your manager will approve it and go on to the
next time card. -Former First Line-
Comment
06/02/08:
Used to be able to find if I got a raise or not on June 1 weeks before my
manager would officially announce it to me by requesting an employee income
verification through the HR VRU. Well not this year. You can't do this online
anymore. You have to request and fill out a hardcopy form. Way to go IBM.
You boast how you make things easier with I/T services and supposed to automate
things on the web as an I/T leader. Yeah, right. Now since we are employees
(eh heh, resources or mobile work units really) we go back to paper from something
that was done with a computer through a VRU interface! I really think they
changed this to paper to stop folks like myself from finding out before management
has the common courtesy to tell me when I got a raise or not on June 1. IBM
management is pretty much a sad joke now. First lines much less so: they are
the "fall guys" generally. I'll give some of 'em a pass. The higher
the IBM management the bigger the joke they are: they are worse than a Bill
Lumberg (of "Office Space" infame). Oh yeah, the PPA estimate a
payment calculation doesn't have your raise info in it either since the pension
was frozen. Also real nice Big friggin' Blew. -Sams-a-sham-
Comment
06/02/08:
Salary = 15% Less
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 10
Message =
-Panon-
Along with 50+ other people in my organizations, I appealed, and ALL of us
were denied. Go figure... I am also waiting to see if any of the 15% less
people also get a chance to get a raise this year. Of course a 15% raise would
be optimal, but has anyone heard anything about raises for those affected
by the pay cut? -ABIW-
Comment
06/02/08:
Salary = 41000
Band Level = 3
Job Title = SSR
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 48
Location = Florida
Message = Can you help me to compare what I am making compared to other technicians
in Florida and Alabama? I believe I am very underpaid for the work I do.
-Anonymous-
Comment
05/31/08:
This week at my dept meeting my manager said the salary plan will not be as
robust as it has been in past years, my thought when in the last several years
has the salary plan been robust. I'm in Global Services. I spoke to friend
on mine in STG, told me his manager told his dept no one is getting any raises
this year. I guess next thing we'll be told like people of enron to invest
more in IBM stock, like they were told to invest in enron but we will also
be told it will go up and we can get investment income instead of a raise
-Anon-
Comment
05/30/08:
For all you people in STG worried about salary increases, remember that Moffat
is replacing Zeitler as head of STG this summer, so he'll bring his brand
of ruthless slashing over from ISC. I wouldn't be surprised if TCR pool is
frozen due to the economy as well. -Mike-
Comment
05/30/08:
I have a ? regarding stand-by pay and covering on call on a holiday. There
are sites in IBM that state that standby on a holiday should by paid at .375
regular pay, but system will not allow inputting standby hours either over
scheduled hours OR over holiday day hours, standby and schedule hours and
holiday hours are mutually exclusive. my argument is that, to
be fair and accurate, one should be paid for the site holiday, like everyone
else is, AND compensated for carrying a pager fro 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on
that holiday. Called payroll and they did not have a clue as to how to record
this OR why the current system is incorrect. -Kristine-
Alliance
reply: Until you have a union contract, bargained for by the employees union,
you will continue to suffer the injustice and unfairness that IBM continues
to dish out to you, through their management and HR people. Don't expect HR
to 'correct' the system, just because you have complained about it. You need
to organize, now. Join the Alliance@IBM and find out how to organize your
co-workers and build the union. Push back at IBM with a unified voice and
pressure, to collectively baragin a contract that stipulates specifically
how OT is calculated; how benefits are managed, and how everything else that
you value as an IBM employee is protected with that contract.
Comment
05/30/08:
To "What is Going On Here?"
There are two parts to raises: MBA (Market Based Adjustment) and TCR (Top
Contributer Reward). MBA can be denied or endowed based on an entire country,
unit or job family. You will still have a chance to get TCR, even if Moffat
is not giving MBA's to his group, if you had a 1 or 2+ rating.
With the economy the way it is, it won't surprise me if NO ONE in the US gets
a MBA. IBM will use the economy as the excuse of the day. -Marbles-
Comment
05/29/08:
From the link below, business is booming for the I/T people in India ....."...Global
IT Majors such as IBM, Accenture and Capgemini together plans to hire around
80,000 people in India by 2010.......... ...Industry observers are predicting
a salary hike of 15 to 17 per cent across-the-board if global IT companies
stick to their hiring plans. "We are aggressively recruiting professionals
for all our businesses," said Mphasis CEO, Jeya Kumar." -spiderman-
Comment
05/29/08:
The Wall Street Journal blog on IBM pay cuts/raises states that Bob Moffat
declared his group, Integrated Supply Chain, will not get any market based
adjustment raises this year. Does anyone know if this is true? Can an entire
group be excluded from yearly raises? -What
is Going On Here-
Alliance reply: Yes, a whole group can be denied pay cuts--you don't have
an employment contract. All the more reason for a union and a collective
bargaining agreement.
Comment
05/28/08:
Several people from my team have meetings scheduled for the week of June 23
to find out our raises. Apparently they will be retroactive to June 1. So
no news isn't necessarily bad news, but it probably is... -Mike-
Comment
05/28/08:
Has anyone heard anything regarding raises this year, that are to be effective
June 1st. I am in the ISC and have heard nothing so far. -Wondering-
Comment
05/28/08:
Salary = 1,280.00 by wkly
Band Level = level 1
Job Title = Band Manager
Years Service = 9 mos.
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = band administration
Location = Lac Brochet, MB
Message = Is this a what we should be getting at a srtating rate. Someone
employees are getting more then me. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/27/08:
Salary = 88000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = Project manager
Years Service = 7
Hours/Week = 30
Div Name = SWG
Location = RTP
Message = I have 10 years+ experience in the field ( 3 as contractor for IBM)
7 as regular. The past 4 years I was told "you are X% penetrated".
So no raise. I have a decent mgr, honestly 1st lines hands are tied. When
they came around with that Earth Challenge ( share ride, take bus, telecommute)
2004 WAH ( work at home) 1 day a week, 2005/6/7 2 days, 2008, work at home
4 days a week, ( on Sametime and notes) and cut my real work hours to about
30. I forward more notes to my mgr to show that I am "keeping her in
the loop" and make it look like I am doing more, and when I finish a
project I am not shy about asking my customers to send notes to my 1st and
2nd line. IBM sells us a load, I can play that game as well. I cherry pick
my projects, offload what I can, They get what they pay for, Most hilarious
thing was one year it was "Innovate" and the next year it was "Innnovation
that matters" I guess what we did the year before was innovate a bunch
of stuff that didn't matter :) This year it is "client intimacy"
go look up LIam Lynch and "his song" Whatever. This is my IBM of
"whatever" -whatever-
Comment
05/22/08:
Salary = 70000
Band Level = 7
Job Title = sAC
Message = TEST -rahul-
Alliance reply: Just
so you know: Your "test" came through fine. This
is not an automatic message board. ALL comments come through the webmaster
and national coordinator, before they are posted.
Comment
05/22/08:
Salary = 15% less
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 12
Hours/Week = 20
Message = FYI... Just told by my manager that if you are in the 6A job family
you will NOT get a raise. Apparently IBM is not "investing in certain
job families this year". Another blow to the actual workers. I haven't
heard from the other job families that had a 15% pay cut, but it is certain
for 6A. You will only get a raise if you had a 2+ or above, and my manager
specified that it won't be much. -Anonymous-
Comment
05/22/08:
Does anyone know of any people that were impacted by the 15% cut that were
non-exempt in their previous position that were given additional money? I
was a non-exempt employee, took a new job as an exempt employee in the begining
of '07, now with this change, I am non exempt again and making less money
per hour than before I took my promotion to the exempt position. Someone in
HR had said they would be looking in to this, but no information has ever
been posted on the internal site. -Scrwed@IBM-
Comment
05/19/08:
Tulsa Will Lose 350 IBM Jobs http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1390321/tulsa_will_lose_350_ibm_jobs/index.html?source=r_technology
Oh come on,
you really didn't think that the last cut was the last now, did you?
-spiderman-
Cross
post from PBC comments section: Comment
5/19/08:
My
entire mgmt chain consists of phd's with h1b visas. I had a big project I
had support for, was developing, then, they said the project was "canceled".
When asked why it was because it "was not good enough".. Got a PBC
rating of 3. Contested the PBC - and officially lost.. however - one of the
committee members said they felt very sorry and thought I was treated unfairly.
My entire h1b management chain lied and supported each other.. eventually
though, I was able to fully document their lies.. My managers claimed to have
submitted my main project; but, instead buried it and lied about it's submission.
I was the only american in the group. Any relevant work was shared with the
other h1b visa's and the americans were isolated and sabotaged. Nobody talks
about this - but there is a caste system at IBM.. especially in research.
In some groups - if you are an american - you are caste out.
-Caste in Research-
Alliance reply: We are very glad that YOU are talking about this. These kinds
of incidents would not occur with a union contract. If you had a union contract,
you would have had the right to address the unfair PBC with the help of a
grievance committee, made up of your union co-workers. You also would have
had help investigating the company's actions, in regard to the 'canceled'
project. Contact your political representatives and let them know about the
management chain of H1b visas. Politicians need to know that this is just
one of the many negatives of raising the H1b visa limit. Whatever you have
documented, hang on to it. In the meantime, make every effort to organize
your co-workers. We realize that this may seem insurmountable; however, if
you don't fight back by organizing, IBM will get away with this in EVERY USA
location. Join us and let us help you and your co-workers to fight back. This
is a prime example of why Alliance@IBM needs to continue and needs funding
to continue.
Comment
05/19/08: Anyone
hear about how the salary plan is for this June? Can PBC 2 get a raise? Anyone
hear which job positions and skill groups will get the TCA's (top contributor
adjustments) this June if their pay is below midpoint and were at least a
PBC 2? Or has IBM just done away with this just like they did away with 15%
of the pay for the I/T Specialists who were eligible for the TCA's last year?
-anonymous-
Comment
05/16/08: IBM
stock price in a huge runup. This means more stock option profits to reap
for the executives and likely less of a fair and decent USA employee compensation
plan to be done next month. Why I joined the Alliance? Easy. I want a union
contract so when IBM does better and it's stock goes up significantly my pay
will go up as well. I work for IBM and contribute to their success so I should
also see more money because of it just like the IBM USA executives always
do. Without a union contract the only compensation that really goes up is
the IBM executives'. I'm tired of hearing '---that is all we have in the
budget when it comes to salary plans---' year after year and getting no
raise or a 2% slap in the face raise when I am lucky enough to get one.
-go_union-
Comment
05/14/08: My
pay cut/remix was scheduled for 6/1. I have in writing from HR that I would
be given the 1 month transition. Like everyone else in my organization. That
means I am eligible to be paid for OT all of May before the pay cut kicks
in 6/1. My 1st paycheck for May is 15% less. HR is giving me the run-around.
I have demanded the same treatement as everyone else and will escalate. I
just feel like garbage right now. -I am Garbage-
Comment
05/12/08: Well
boy's, speaking of hours worked have you connect the dots yet on the latest
Labor report?..... Average hours worked is down .3 and average overtime hours
is down .1
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm
Maybe IBM will stay isolated from all that economy stuff huh...haha.. what
do you think ?...
In related news ya got talk of EDS merging with HP and you know what happens
after a merger. MASS LAYOFFS....
With that said, as if adding more hungry I/T workers to the labor pool wasn't
bad enough, you also have the graduation of the next batch or H1-B visa workers....and
it all sets the stage to churn the workforce some more..think about it...people...you
company motto at one time was "think" and it's probably a good idea
right now..
-spiderman-
Comment
05/10/08: To
-nike- Understand your hourly rate is 15% less now (based on
a 40 hour work week). Your vacation pay is now 15% less. Your LTD would be
15% less. Your next GDP plan will be based on your 15% less base pay next
March. Any severance pay will be 15% less. What would or are you to do if
IBM cuts your OT? Your assuming OT will always be their for you. Bad assumption.
-15% unlucky-
Comment
05/09/08:
nike - your calculation assumes that you receive no vacation or holidays
(when you would most likely not be working overtime). Also if you are unlucky
enough to require a sick day, you will not receive time and a half pay for
the overtime worked that week (just straight time). For a more accurate calculation,
take 260 days (5*52) and subtract the number of vacation days you get. Then
subtract the 12 holidays we get. What you have left is the number of days
you can try to earn enough overtime to make up the difference (so long as
you don't get sick). It gets a lot less attractive when you look at it more
closely. Especially when IBM slams the door on the overtime. -Think
about this-
Comment
05/09/08:
Reason for my post.
2007 salary 90000
2008 at 15% less 76500
8 hours OT = 22950 a year
new 08 salary 99450 -nike-
Comment
05/08/08: To
Nike et all - IGS has always required a minimum of unpaid 15-20% OT. Nothing
new there. By successfully getting back 5+ years of salary increases and my
exempt status, they can laugh all they want. I'm not sure of the purpose
of your post, but as a paying member, I was sharing my information as requested
in previous post. -Anonymous 15% Lucky this week-
Comment
05/07/08: To:
**an Anonymous 15% Lucky this week** You work 48 hours a week according
to your post. The OT for 8 hours is 30% over base pay. So you fought to get
back 15% and go exempt. Wow, you just gave IBM back 15% of YOUR PAY !!!! The
first and second line must have a heck of a laugh behind the closed door.
-nike-
Comment
05/07/08:
Salary = 58500
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Architect
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = ITS
Location = Midwest
Message = Stupid Non-Exempt Thing -JonAnon-
Comment
05/07/08:
Salary = 62K before 53K after
Band Level = 6
Job Title = IT Specialist
Years Service = 5
Hours/Week = 50
Div Name = 29
Location = MN
Message = I heard that of the 48 people that appealed their remix in my 2nd
line org, only two were approved. I know several of the people affected (truthfully)
presented their case based on answers that would lead to an exempt answer
using the FLSA Computer-related occupation questionnaire. -Anon-
Comment
05/06/08: I
agree with the comment on project management. I too answered every question
in my appeal interview as a project manager. My appeal was denied. After going
through this, I am even more convinced that this whole pay cut was and continues
to be retaliation. IBM lost a law suit and is now retaliating against employees.
Else, why aren't all job families being held to the same exempt/non-exempt
standard as IT Specialists? I clearly proved I should remain exempt based
on the way the law reads, but because I am in the IT specialist code I lose.
I have nothing against project managers, just using that job family as an
example because I was one. I am non-exempt now, then so should PMs be non-exempt.
-anon13-
Comment
05/05/08:
Salary
= 3000
Band Level = 2
Job Title = sakshi
Years Service = 3
Hours/Week = 21
Div Name = prakash
Location = kuppam
Message = TELL ME FULL DETAILS... -m.prakash-
Comment
05/04/08: In
the last 2 weeks, we have had our OT limited to 6 hours per week. Previously
(before the salary cut), I worked 55 hour weeks. I am now working the 46 hour
week and just not getting all of my work done. Has anyone else had this happen?
Wondering if it is just my org or IBM across the board. -JustMe-
Comment
05/04/08: House
Republicans Move To Increase H1B Visa Quota TechCrunch, CA - Apr 21, 2008
Google
it! .. (( from Microsoft to Oracle they are all pushing for an increase in
H1b visa's..... Remember graduation is June and the new fiscal year begins
in Oct. save your money you may need it....I'm just sayin' )) -spiderman-
Comment
05/03/08:
Salary = 90+k
Band Level = 8
Job Title = Senior IT Specialist
Years Service = 30 years
Hours/Week = 48
Div Name = IGS
Location = Pok
Message = I was notified last week that my appeal was granted and that I would
be returned to exempt and my salary returned retroactively. My personell files
has now been updated, but I am still waiting for the pay to be returned. In
my dept. there were 12+ that were reclassified. So far as I hae heard, I was
the only one that was moved back to exempt level. Everyone else was told no.
Not sure what the magic words are or why some do and others don't. the logic
escapes me, but would love to hear how many other successful appeals occured.
**an Anonymous 15% Lucky this week**
Comment
05/02/08:
Location = DC Area
Message = For those folks who appealed their reclassification - My understanding
is that the Department of Labor web site clearly states what they view as
job attributes which qualify a position as exempt from overtime rules. Below
is the URL for jobs in the computer field... http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/fairpay/fs17e_computer.pdf
As you'll see on this web page, there's no indication that a Project
Manager role qualifies as exempt; the exempt positions are mostly programming
and system design jobs. -An Upset and Concerned IBM Employee-
Comment
05/01/08:
I too was turned down on my appeal. Has anyone been re-instated? -Just
wondering-
Comment
05/01/08: My
appeal was denied. I answered every question during the interview as if I
were a project manager. Obviously either their minds were made up prior to
my appeal and they had no intention to grant an appeal - or - project managers
are next on the pay cut list. -Panon-
Comment
04/30/08:
Salary = 60500
Band Level = 6
Job Title = Consultant
Years Service = 1
Hours/Week = 40
Div Name = 5
Location = Ohio
Message = Started at $58,500, raise after 4 months, after one year of service,
promoted one 1 year later, 20% raise (off $60,500) to $72,600. No complaints,
this is my first job out of college. -C Mart-
Comment
04/29/08: To
Need_Advice, none of us would of ever stayed if we ever thought we were going
to get canned after our hard work, never mind a pay cut problem that you have.
Let me give you some Good_Advice; Get the hell out and now before you are
canned. Believe me it's much better when you don't work for big blow anymore..
-Goot_Advice-
Comment
04/28/08: -just1waiting-
... yeah...I hear you..they blame the sub prime mess in that story and while
that is no doubt a piece of the issue at hand, don't you find it just a bit
coincidental at the timing of it alll,,,I mean cutting foreign exec's perks
and this
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/allianceibm-members-shareholders-to-challenge,367514.shtml
I don't know people they are laying off close to another 4,000 at GM today
cutting shifts for trucks and SUV's which is not good.. However, the UAW is
getting them what,,, 80% of their wages ..google it..think about it . The
economy is going down people, I expect to see orders and projects canceled
shortly. We have a crisis of confidence in the dollar and only hype of a recovery
in the media. The FOMC will be meeting shortly on interest rates and if they
cut rates again, it's very likely that the dollar will fall more and oil will
hit new highs as a result..and that is going to put more pressure on wages.
The price of oil and energy is making the economic downturn this time around
way different than those in the past. I'm telling you , you need to protect
yourself...but that's just my opinion, and what do I know right..we'll see..
-spiderman-
Comment
04/28/08: My
Appeal was denied today. Not sure what other choices left other than leaving
IBM. -No_hope-
Comment
04/27/08: 
