IBM Global Union Alliance-Your Comments

IBM Global Union Alliance Comments

We'd like to hear from our International Co-workers. Please submit your comments about your employment at IBM, why you visited this site, if you have a union; how your union deals with workplace issues inside IBM, or any other related topic. We will publish selected comments.
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Comment 05/23/13:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = Yes
Job Title = Technical
IBM Division = STG
Message =
Layoffs announced in IBM UK and Ireland:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/23/ibm_another_round_of_layoffs/ -Anonymous-

Comment 05/23/13: IBM has started a 45-day consultation on letting up to 270 people go from its UK and Ireland operations. Sources have told The Register that Big Blue is once more readying the axe for employees in Blighty, adding to rounds of layoffs that have seen over 6,000 workers sacked globally since 2009. An IBM spokesperson confirmed that the firm was looking into redundancies.
"IBM has begun a consultation process in part of its UK business. Given the competitive nature of our business, we do not publicly discuss the details of staffing plans," they said by email. The sources say that IBM's eye is on its software division and its Systems Technology Group (STG) as potential areas from which to lose staff. -Anonymous-

Comment 05/15/13: Had a 2 hour F2F "Mandatory" Training Session with our HR folks this week (Mon 13 May); preceded by a short notice "Manager Briefing" by our ANZ GBS Managing Partner (Steve Bingham) on Fri 10 May. Here's the script we had to give / read to our "Rebalanced Team" members who had been selected. Fri 14 Jun 2013 is their last day.
"[Name], the reason for this meeting is to tell you about some changes in our team that will affect you. For us to remain competitive, and continue to meet client needs, we need to continually align our workforce skills and resources to business requirements. We have recently reviewed what services we deliver locally and what we deliver through our Global Delivery model. As a result of this review process, we are moving a number of roles to international locations. I need to tell you today that your role is impacted by this and will no longer be performed from Australia. This means you are being given formal notice of redeployment and have been allocated four weeks to find another position within IBM. If you are unable to find another role by Fri 14 June 2013 you will be given formal notice of the termination of employment on the grounds of redundancy.
It is important that you understand that it is your position that has become redundant. This is not a reflection on the way you have done your job."
What's crazy - while we have a semi high bench (240) on the East Coast (Melb/Sydney) - we are "screaming" for people on the West Coast (Perth). We have been told in town halls that we have over 200+ new openings in Perth - but no one wants to move to Perth (despite the "Go West" program being re-started (offering cash bonus', promotions to those who move West). We are even offering 2 year FTH contracts to folks in Europe to come to Australia! And - in the same breath - letting go over 150+ experienced IBMer's in Wave 1B. There was a Wave 1A last week (but I don't have those numbers). AND -- we've been warned there WILL be more waves this year (until Q4 2013.) Frustrated - and working 45-50 hours a week! -Australia GBS Manager-

Comment 04/21/13:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = USA
Job Title = IT Architect
IBM Division = ITS
Message =
The latest planned layoffs prove the failure of IBM management to drive and grow the company. Ginni is like Sam, a one trick pony.. they know to cut staff.. but..neither of them understand the business.. or how to grow it. What they seem able to do is "cut staff".. they are unable to address how to change the scenario.. so.. IBM just keeps shrinking.. and shrinking.. and.. "anyone visited an HP office lately?" -Anonymous-

Comment 03/24/13:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = former cwa
Job Title = IBM Retired 2007
IBM Division = Printer retired
Message = Any info on IBM retirees representation? -Anonymous-

Comment 11/29/12: http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2012/11/28/phoenix_it_group_ibm/
IBM outsources UK desktop support operation lock+stock to Phoenix 180 engineers get new business cards for Xmas Free whitepaper - IDC: Top Five Considerations for Cloud-Based Security Exclusive IBM is the Global Services Provider (GSP) that is outsourcing desktop support to Phoenix IT Group, The Channel can reveal. Yesterday Phoenix confirmed it has penned a five-year £40m contract with an unnamed GSP to provide desk-side services for the firm's employees as well as its customers. -Anon-

Comment 09/27/12:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = Alliance CWA Local 1701
Job Title = IT
IBM Division = it's always changing
Message = From page 9B of today's Poughkeepsie Journal:

"BUENOS AIRES, Argentina--A union for workers at IBM Argentina says the company has initiated a plan to lay off 500 workers in the next few months.
Asked for comment Wednesday, the company sent a statement to The Associated Press saying only that "change is constant in the technology industry.The union said IBM's campus of 9,000 workers in suburban Buenos Aires would be reduced by more than 5 percent under a plan seeking to avoid losses for the subsidiary."
IBM-argentina-lays-off-hundreds -pok'ed-

Comment 07/21/12:
Country = United Kingdom
Union Affiliate = Yes
Job Title = Former IT Specialist
IBM Division = STG
Message = Layoffs in IBM UK: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07/20/ibm_uk_layoffs/ -Gone but not forgotten-

Comment 07/20/12: Boss Gives $3 Million of His Bonus to His Employees
boss-gives-3-million-of-his-bonus-to-employees/ -Gary-

Comment 07/14/12: I found in today's world we are short changed and a issue which is of prime importance but has not be taken up by any group, so myself under UNITES is launching http://www.myfullmeal.org/

The income tax exemption limit for meals to employees in India was fixed at Rs 50 ($1) per meal in 2001 and has not been revised since then there has been an increase of 109.50% in food prices in the past 10 years; the limit should be revised to a minimum of Rs.125 ($2.5) per meal from April 2012.

We are trying to take the campaign to next level with introduction of Quick Response Code or QR so that the mobile users can share and participate in this campaign too.

We request your full support and guidance in this campaign. Please inform your students too to take part in this -Anonymous-

Comment 07/03/12: from the UK: http://bit.ly/NFa4p1 -anon-

Comment 06/27/12:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = No local to join that is active in our Province.
Job Title = System Programmer - Band 7
IBM Division = Global Services
Message = Used to work day and night to keep projects on track and every issue covered. Consistent vary high PBC rating year after year.

Then got the news of just how much IBM values our work and skills in North America with the Zero raise this year instead of the paltry 1% & 2% of past years and the previous removal of pay for any overtime worked.

To me it is now more than clear we the employees provide absolutely no value to the company, and as such I have adjusted my views and attitude to arrive at a new work ethic to match.

At the wonderfully stupid GDF office my phone and sametime now go on at 9am and disconnect at 5pm, Monday to Friday no exceptions. When I am on pager duty I wait the prescribed 59 minutes 30 seconds to respond and meet the 1 hour SLA, and the moment the duty cycle is over the pager is powered off.
And horror of horrors I am actually taking lunches and breaks away from the desk, far away. Also this year I am taking every last vacation day coming to me.
When I am not at the GDF office IBM no longer has any way to contact me, and if they did I would not answer. Could no longer care less what happens to this company, that has fallen below the levels of a third world sweat shop.

Actually looking forward to the day I get the RA notice.
Until that time comes I am following the example my new idol Wally from Dilbert and am now performing as in-cubical-retired.

Good luck IBM, hope your future profits go the way of Nortel or Enron. -In-cubical-retired-wating-for-RA-

Comment 06/22/12: Ulster bank's parent company (RBS) outsourced IT infrastructure to IBM and others. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18549560
Ulster Bank apologises for "chaos" caused by glitch:
The Chief Operating Officer for Ulster Bank has apologised unreservedly to customers for the "mayhem" and "chaos" caused by a software glitch. Ellvena Graham also promised that no customer would be out of pocket because of the problem and said all fees and charges incurred will be reimbursed. Tens of thousands of Ulster Bank customers in Northern Ireland and the Republic have been affected, along with Nat West customers in Britain. Transactions are running 48 hours late. -Nother IBM screw up?-

Comment 06/22/12:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = Wish there was one in Canada
Job Title = IT Specialist - Band 7
IBM Division = Global Services
Message = So after chasing the IBM carrot and finally receiving a PBC of 1 I sat, anticipating what should be a decent raise after years of 1-2% raises. Well, found of this week that there will be no raises for IBM'ers in Canada this year, not even a sit down with your manager for a review. The managers however will be getting a raise - this has been confirmed to me by someone who has a contact in management.So what has IBM accomplished with this latest kick in the arse? Well, they've turned a solid performer into one who now really couldn't care less. I was off one day last week and my phone was ringing off the hook - DPEs, managers asking questions, needing audit requests - well you can all take a big wet bite out of my ass. I've just turned into your worst nightmare. No, I didn't quit and I don't plan on quitting - I'm going to be that 9-5 guy who insists IBM go by the strict letter of the labor laws. I will not work more than what my province says I have to. When I'm off, lots of luck getting in touch with me. When I'm on the pager, well lets just say there seems to be lots of dead spots around my are. In short, I've checked out which is only going to make my manager's job a living hell but heck, might as well make him earn his raise right? So to IBM, congratulations. Ya lost me. but don't worry, I won't be going far. I'll still be around. Oh, and don't forget, if you're looking for me, you may have to let that phone ring a little longer than normal - feel free to leave a message. If its before 5PM, you might get lucky. I may actually answer it. -PeevedinCanada-

Comment 05/11/12: This is confirmation that there was a resource action in Canada. Manager just told our team of the cuts, as the work was just assigned to the remaining US employees for the team. Also told that as RA's continue, the work will just go to those left. It was made clear the work would remain, and have to be done, no matter how few employees were left on the team. -Jaded-

Comment 05/10/12: From India.
Employees will not get the justice through IBM even though we provide with proof....as IBM is really least bothered about the "HARRASEMENT AT WORK" AS IT WILL REMAINS IN WORDS NOT IN ACTION"...AS WE ARE WORKING UNDER LADY TEAM LEAD CALCUTTA MADHUBANTHI .....every one in team are unhappy about her behavior ...we have filed many complaints on her with proofs and escalted her to manager , delivery head , and VP ...... no one even tried to read that complaints..........not even single person is happy about her...but there is no concept of employee feed back or manager's interference in employee challeges & issues.......As she used to shout & abuse on everyone in office before all irrespective of age, gender.....we all are really feeling bad about her......IBM should fire these people as IBM may loose a good people for the people of no use and for the people who spoils the reputation.... IBM should take care in order to avoid the harrasement at work. -Rahul-

Comment 04/18/12:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = PM
IBM Division = GBS
Message = $500m gain from Retail Store sales proceeds to be spent on non-US Lay-offs: "The company expects that additional workforce rebalancing charges, primarily outside the United States, will effectively offset the gain when it is recognized."
http://www.ibm.com/investor/ircorner/article/rss.wss -Just Surviving-

Comment 04/18/12:
Country = India
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS-SD
Message = While we in India do not face the issue of our jobs being sent somewhere else, GDF has really made life hell here. These days GDF is like a cult or mania here, and the drive is to put EVERYTHING in GDF. There are projects that absolutely do not fit the principles of GDF, and put in just to show the top management that nobody was spared. There are actually instances of clients securing GDF exemptions, but IBM India is suppressing these and running clandestine GDF pools. Another problem is with the "draft" or conscripting of people into dispatcher and QA roles. Technical resources are forced into the worthless dispatcher profile every day, even as the GDF team themselves agree that is not the correct way. This is a big mess grown out of pure, unadulterated greed. -Loaf-
Alliance reply: Do you have any desire to protest these abuses, publicly? Gather your co-workers together, and start making some noise. It's a start.

Comment 03/12/12:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = Marketing
IBM Division = S&D
Message = Last week heard of 20 or so gone in Toronto area, but may have been a lot more. -Canuck-

Comment 03/09/12:
Country = Czech Republic
Union Affiliate = IBM
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = They are discriminating us, taking away our rights, cutting of into people to raise their bonuses. Retaliation at every step, this needs to stop. And it all starts in CZ, Brno, DCCE. -Anonymous-

Comment 02/29/12: I'm aware of at least 20 loosing jobs in Montreal but probably over 100. I'm one of those... -BeenliedTo-

Comment 02/29/12: Expected to see the 3rd consecutive year of RA's - does anyone know if the UK will be hit, it's all been very quiet over here and most dont think it will happen but im not sure as massive push to move as much as possible offshore plus UK losing some massive contracts this yr -alldownhill in the uk-

Comment 02/24/12: Due to a high bench on the East Coast in OZ; they are doing RA's DownUnder. As a BP Manager in Perth a bit shocked to hear; we're screaming for resources here in WA - but there are (were) 200+ folks on the bench on the East COast (as of Dec 2011). They have a massive "Go West" campaign to get folks to relocate to Perth for the big Natural Resource Accounts (e.g. BHPB, Chevron, Rio); as well as a Go Canberra/Go Brissy campaign for Public Sector and Natural Resources in Queensland. So a bit surprised when our team (work on 2 high profile proposals); with FIFO resources from SYD and MEL - gets the word that 4 of our 10 FIFO resources "had the chat" with HR and the BP manager on Wed of this week. They now have until 30/31 Mar to find a new op; or "G'bye Mate". Unfreaking real. Turns out these folks had 3 ratings; and while on the bench - were caught in a state of shock to have the talk and RA pulled on them. One was a 23 year B9 PM, another 4 year B9 PM, two others were B8 Archs. Our proposal team is now suffering; as these folks need to mentally sort out other ops in OZ (relo is a possiblity for some to Perth; but some don't want/wish to make the relo). WA has a massive shortage of skills; and we're hurting to staff accounts in Perth. Left hand and right hand just aren't coordinated here in OZ. And what's a bit frightening; our attrition is over 14%; and trending up. Just had a Town Hall with Sarah; and she seems blind to the problem - focusing on "get those Q1 signings closed"; ignoring (of course) questions about the recent RA's. We also had 2 DE's resign in the past week - one to CSC, the other to BHPB. Thinking my own options here... may be time to say "buh bye" after 12 years with Big Blue. Am GBS BP Manager here; Natural Resources group. Any other OZ RA's noted? -GBS-Perth -

Comment 02/22/12: Hi there, just letting you know that in Australia (a growth market) lay offs happened today. -John-

Comment 02/21/12:
Country = China
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = None
IBM Division = Any
Message = You might find this interesting...

Trashing the Script
Protests, Democracy, and Kinship Organizations in China
by Macabe Keliher and Hsin-Chao Wu
http://www.possible-futures.org/2012/01/24/trashing-the-script/

"...Wukan is serving as an inspiring example for villagers to utilize institutions that are ready at hand for mobilization and emancipation, rather than relying on those imported from outside or imposed from above. In this way, liberation of ordinary men and women from the control and subjugation of others is happening from the ground up by drawing on whatever is necessary and available." -ChinaInRevolt-

Comment 02/21/12: In the Netherlands it is the same story. Decreased PBC ratings and the "Grow or Go" theme is very popular in management teams. There is a culture of ignorance and demotivation of employees started by management. IBM became a kind of Titanic, heading for $20 EPS in 2015 but after that there is an abbys and no way back. And I guess the captain left the ship at that time. -120000 Victims-

Comment 02/20/12:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = ??
Job Title = Risk and Security Management
IBM Division = B7WB
Message = I find it extremely unfair that I can't move within IBM to another department because we had one member of our team accept another position within IBM. We have enough people to perform the work so as long as everyone doesn't leave at once, why do I have to wait? I have applied to other positions because I was told to wait a certain length of time, which I waited. So now, I can't move to another position, who I have already spoken to and they are interested, until this team member leaves and we hire more people. I understand the need to wait, but if other people are sending out applications to move within IBM, how do they actually decide who has to wait? My first line manager tells me that I can't apply for anything until we hire more people, but my stance is why do I need to wait? It takes so long for anything to happen at IBM by the time I get accepted to a new position we could have hired another 4 people. And what if I am in the process of being hired for a new position and they do another "move freeze"? Does that mean I have to wait for more people to get hired before I can officially move? How is that fair to me or the division I am applying to? It's just not right! -Anonymous In Iowa-

Comment 02/20/12: The offshoring of the GTS Services Excellence organization to Brno, Czech Republic has begun. Entire organization will inevitably be part of the 2015 Roadkill. -Inevitable RA-

Comment 02/13/12: Just an update from the down troden in the UK. In my last message I said that I insisted that my secondline manager send through to me the process for awarding PBC scores, as I was given my PBC two weeks before Business results were known.... Well, I was sent them, with a note saying that the assumption is that this matter is now closed. Secondline manager was informed that I had already booked an appointment with HR and will be discussing the matter with them....
Well, I must congratulate HR on having their responses well rehearsed....! They advised me that they are aware of various issues with PBC's and that they are looking into the matter and will advise me of any findings etc etc etc.... Sounded ery much like they were just saying what I wanted to hear... What do you think the odds are of someone actually doing anything about doing what's moraly right, not just what's right for IBM's bottom line?????? - No Name - Just a Number-
Alliance Reply: Why do you expect anything different than the answer you got from HR? Do you believe they represent you in some way? IBM HR represents IBM's interests, only. Not yours. If you want someone to represent your interests, then you want a union contract.

Comment 02/05/12: IBM UKer's, If you want to find out the discussions your managers are having behind your back, you can use complete a freedom of information request and get all the information IBM holds on you. You can also name individuals who are requred to supply copies of emails etc they hold with your name on. You may be very surprised what you can find out. You may also want to consider joining UNITE to get access to legal advide and support. Good luck with the fight. I'm in the process of challenging my PBC and the process itself. -UK IBMer-

Comment 02/01/12: IBM Germany announced this morning job cuts of up to 8000 of the current workforce of 20000.
ibm-could-trim-8-000-german-jobs-according-to-labor-union -Mr. Worried-
Alliance reply: We are also getting that information from the IBM Germany union. The job cuts in Germany must, by law, be negotiated with the union.
It is very different than what happens here in the USA.

Comment 01/31/12: From the UK. Hear more PBC 3 than ever before, yet met business goals... i will be appealing against this unfair system and i exceeded all my objectives and performed higher in terms of cost savings against my peers...perhaps its because im over 40 and have over 12 years service under my belt and they want young grads to take my job....was such a nice place in the mid the late 90's.... wow this company is so different -A UK Number-

Comment 01/30/12: The voice from the UK here... Just complained to my secondline manager, not about my PBC rating as I know that that is just a load of bull... But about the process behind the scores given. My PBC should have been bassed mainly on our performance against set Business goals, but I was given my PBC result 2 weeks before the Business Results were released. So I demanded that management provide me with the documentation which outlines the rules around awarding PBC's. Second line managers responce was to tell me 'not to rock the boat'. When I advised him that I will be taking this matter to HR, unless someone did something to put right this faulty process.... He nearly exploded, with some of the most colourful language I've heard for a long time.... I have a appointment with HR at the end of this week... I'll let you know who I get on. -No Name.. Just a Number!!!-

Comment 01/06/12:
Country = Bulgaria
Union Affiliate = Podkrepa GDC IBM
Job Title = sales respresentative
IBM Division = Sofia, Bulgaria, GDC, IBM
Message = Je vous annonce ce que la plupart d’entre vous savent déjà – je quitte
cette société avec une grande joie
et soulagement ! Je dis ceci et je pèse mes mots !

Je sais que vous êtes nombreux à vouloir partir d’ici, mais pour le
moment vous n’avez pas le choix.
Vous ne vous sentez pas heureux chez IBM, ici où le « service level »
est plus important que le respect
humain, où on adore faire la police, où la surveillance des collègues
(visuelle ou virtuelle) est prioritaire
et où les feedback de toute sorte sont à l’honneur – plus on en fait,
mieux on est apprécié par les chefs.
Erreur monumentale ! C’est la meilleure manière de perdre tout brin
d’humanité, confiance collégiale et
le plus précieux – la bonne entente amicale ! Ici tout le monde se
méfie de tout le monde !

J’observe depuis plusieurs semaines, même des mois, une animosité qui
s’instaure, une tension
artificielle, des voix qui s’élèvent (certaines se sont calmées), des
talons qui tambourinent le long
des couloirs et des pas qu’on reconnait de loin… c’est ce qu’on
appelait au temps du communisme –
instaurer la peur pour qu’on puisse mieux obéir !

Les temps ont bien changé, mais malheureusement pas chez IBM ! (le
collègue déjà parti avait
ironiquement mentionné le mot « nazi ») Ici on est bien loin encore de
la Communication, du Respect
de l’opinion, du Respect de la différence, de la Loyauté. Si on « ne
fait pas partie du Commun », on ne
mérite pas respect, ni bonus, ni augmentation du salaire, ni jour de
congé, même si on le demande 4
mois en avance !

Ca n’a pas toujours été le cas ! Et les plus anciens le savent ! Ils
savent aussi depuis quand les problèmes
ont commencé ! Ils savent aussi qu’ils ne sont pas respectés à leur
juste valeur, bien loin de là – ils sont
défavorisés à tous points de vue par rapport aux new starters -
pratique inouïe et absurde! Ici on n’a pas
besoin de personnes qui ont de l’expérience, du savoir-faire, des gens
qui connaissent bien leur travail,
Ils gênent car ils ne se taisent pas !

Un conseil aux TL et stands et tous les autres qui se croient
supérieurs à leurs collègues : vous ne l’êtes
pas ! Votre position ne vous rend en aucun cas différents des autres !
La seule chose qui change pour
vous c’est la nature du travail ! Respectez les agents et ils vous
respecteront, appréciez et motivez
cette Ressource Humaine qui est une Richesse et elle vous le rendra !
Ce sont tous ces gens qui font vos
salaires et vos bonus !

Ce discours paraîtra normal à ceux qui sont ici depuis longtemps et
ceux qui me connaissent, d’autres
le trouveront osé, mais j’ai toujours été comme ça : je dis haut et
sans crainte ce que les autres pensent
bas, ceux que les autres discutent entre eux ou bien ce qu’ils
viennent me dire à l’oreille.

Pour ceux qui ne savent pas – un Syndicat existe, même si certains
vous diront le contraire. Il agit et
obtient des résultats ! N’hésitez pas à partager vos problèmes ou à
chercher conseil pour des cas
litigieux !

http://www.podkrepa-ibm-sofia.hit.bg/

Avec tendresse pour mes amis et collègues (ils se reconnaîtront)

Quoiqu’il en soit, Souriez, souriez …. Ça gagne toujours et ça va si bien à tout le monde -Margarita Dobreva-

Comment 01/05/12: I am working in IBM France, and I am member of CFTC worker union. We also worry about this shift to "India Business Machines". I like your approach : "Write to your congressman, grow a spine, stop the tax benefits to IBM and others who offshore and eliminate American Jobs." -Christian Le Coz-

Comment 12/23/11:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = Rochester
Job Title = IBM engineer
IBM Division = STG
Message = Last week Sam was in town on his farewell tour. In his speech he was lamenting that he could have made money working somewhere else and that Warren Buffet made more than he did; but not to worry we don't need to pass the hat. The speech was video taped but has not been released. The people in attendance were speechless. -anonymous-

Comment 12/13/11:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = RA'd
Job Title = RSM
IBM Division = Research
Message = A Once Great Company Now Lame

The company's long-term employees
Were more expensive to retain
So using resource action strategies
They were kicked out for a profitable gain

Many who remained were clueless
Most experienced people were gone
All of the projects lacked newness
The old days of innovation were done

With no new technology to work on
Selling services was now the main game
With fear-filled long hours for everyone
Thus the once great company grew lame -ra'd_2005-

Comment 11/06/11:
Urgent action needed this week!
Stop pay and band level cuts for IBM US service support workers!

The Alliance@IBM CWA Local 1701 is asking for your urgent support in fighting the announced pay cut and band level reduction for SSR's and other support workers in the IBM Retail Services Division in the US.
Last week IBM executives informed SSR's (service techs) and other support groups that band levels would be lowered and they would face pay cuts up to 10% starting January 1st 2012.
This attack on the standard of living of IBM's service employees is unacceptable and demeaning. In fact many support workers have received very little in pay increases over the years.
Last year IBM had record net income of $53 billion and free cash flow of $8 billion. IBM is not a company in distress.
There is no need to decrease the pay of hard working IBM employees.
Please send emails this week to the following list of IBM management asking them to reverse this decision to cut pay and band levels. An injury to one is an injury to all!

Please send letters to:
Sam Palmisano sam@us.ibm.com
Virginia Rometty grometty@us.ibm.com
Michael Daniels medan@us.ibm.com
Robert Zapfel zapfel@us.ibm.com
Richard Rosso rrosso@us.ibm.com
Larry Arrington arringto@us.ibm.com
Phillip Cunningham cunningp@us.ibm.com -Alliance-

Comment 10/23/11:
Country = Bulgaria
Union Affiliate = Podkrepa
Job Title = CSR
IBM Division = IBM GDC - Sofia, Bulgaria
Message = The director of the GDC of IBM in Sofia, Bulgaria, together with the HR manager Boyka Docheva dismissed the president of the trade-union organisation at IBM, GDC - Sofia due to his union activities. They tried to hide the reason for the dismissal behind invented stories of insufficient level of English of Jean-Pierre Garrido who worked with us for 4 years. That is another blow to our union activities. It is another example of harassment and intimidation of the union activists. -Update from Bulgaria-

Comment 9/16/11:
Country = Bulgaria
Union Affiliate = left IBM
Job Title = CSR
IBM Division = FLG
Message = My dear fellows, I would like to inform you how people working at IBM, GDC, Sofia - Bulgaria are discriminated against. A female colleague was forbidden to speak to the President of the trade-union section, Jean-Pierre Garrido.
But better read:

From: Boshnakova, Anna
Sent: 15 September 2011 09:36
To: Lazarus, Joseph (IBM); 'boyka.docheva@bg.ibm.com'
Cc: Imbrosh, Jana; Garrido, Jean-Pierre
Subject: Discrimination

Hello Mr Lazarus,

I just wanted to inform you that lately very strange things are happening in our team and especially with me...

Tuesday, My TL Boryana explained to me that I don't have the right to speak with my colleague Jean-Pierre Garrido while I'm writing an email, because this will reflect badly on me personally.

Correct me If I'm wrong, but in my opinion we are NOT supposed to be against each other, especially when we are talking about people who are part of the same team!

So yesterday , My TL Boryana Mitova came to me and told me <I've warned you and you haven't listen to me, so Jhana Imbrosh decided to displace you> so I will have to change my place and from now on I will have to be sitting elsewhere...

I know that you are probably wondering why I'm losing your time with all this , but I just want to let you know that this is already the second time that I have been removed from my place for the same reason earlier on July this year.

Honestly, I never thought that IBM discriminates against the agents like this and I will be treated this way two times!

Could you please explain to me, If It is not too much trouble for you, Is this a part of IBM's politic to forbid the employees to communicate to each other and is it mandatory to feel depressed and sad at work? If it's so I excuse myself for losing your time with this email, If not I will just ask you to give me back my old place, where I'm feeling comfortable and please try to make our managers to understand that we are not animals and after all they don't have the right to abuse with the power they have! Perhaps, for this reason so many people left the IBM's French team in the previous months....

Thanks in advance!

Best regards!
ANNA BOSHNAKOVA
Customer Support Representative
ext 4537
Registered Office: Ballycoolin Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Ireland. Registered in Ireland No. 282298

Comment 9/06/11:
Country = Canada aka Canuckistan
Union Affiliate = no, can't find one active in Canada.
Job Title = Senior Systems Administrator
IBM Division = IGS
Message = Nice to notice the pre-qualified justification to continue work from home in our area was derived after a survey of employees postal codes to determine their distance from a GD awful center. Then the circle was set a few miles wider to ensure most everyone fit. Not sure how they can expect continued after-hours coverage, 9-5 in office (8 hours) 4+ hours driving. At least in Canada government mandated uninterrupted 8 hours for rest per day. Leaves no time for anything else. Or do they expect people to be driving long-distances while inebriated by a lack of sleep? Which technically is illegal? Wonder if they can be caught on paper stating that unacceptable requirement. Another sign post that IBM does not actually care squat about the employees or the customers who will now get a much reduced service. Maybe a good thing? Since IBM doesn't want to pay for OT They will now get only what they are paying for. -Droid-
IBMGU Alliance reply: According to your "Union Affliate" answer above, you can't find an active union. Here's a link to one that is active in Canada and also a member of the IBM Global Union Alliance. Check it out: http://fpcep911.sasktelwebhosting.com/index.php
You can also find links to more IBM GU Alliance members on our "Links" Page here:
http://www.endicottalliance.org/iwiswebsite/iwis-ibmgua-links.htm

Comment 8/26/11:
Country = IBManistan
Union Affiliate = IBM Global Union Alliance
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = World
Message = Good people. Enough with that "IBM has taken, and IBM is that for me." Yes do thing for IBM, we? Yes organize U.S., India and each other country that IBM has places there. The time has come time show world that we're united as members Union, world scale. Show the world that we can make difference. Let's do something all of us, we? -Union member-
Alliance note: This was 'roughly' translated from Bulgarian, to English.

Comment 8/26/11:
Country = US
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Advisory Engineer
IBM Division = Software
Message = IBM software group is now curtailing working from home on a regular basis unless pre-qualified justification is approved by upper management. Of course, they still expect "after hours" coverage and availability from home. -Anonymous-

Comment 7/30/11:
Country = Czech Republic
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = SSO
IBM Division = GDC Brno CZ
Message =
Hello, I would like to let everyone know, that IBM took away a meal voucher benefits about a year ago without providing any financial support instead; and my salary, after I have received rating for the whole year of 2+ (above average), was "increased" by 488,50 CZK (28.80 USD) before taxes! The only thing we hear here is how the budget is low and crisis and so on... On the other hand we SEE mails from top management, including Sam, how IBM is doing very well and reporting a record profits and grow. We really miss IBM Union, especially in DC Brno, over 3000+ employees in here. Thank you -Anonymous-

Comment 6/17/11:
Country = Bulgaria
Union Affiliate = PODKREPA
Job Title = CSO
IBM Division = GDC
message = A piece of pizza INSTEAD of money.
Just read this email written by a Team Leader:

Bonjour a tous,

Je vous écris de la part de tous mes collègues de l’équipe de
management FLG.
On tient à vous remercier pour votre performance en Q1 que nous avons
clôturé avec des résultats formidables malgré tous les temps
difficiles pendant cette période.
En Q2 – on va être confrontés a des défis supplémentaires et,
croyez-moi, nous allons tous ensemble les accomplir. Comme on a fait
toujours ! J
Et pour se faire plaisir ce bon mardi du mai, nous avons commande des
:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lHs-JGRviD4/T ... pizza1.jpg

Merci a tous !

Alexandra Dulgerska
Team Leader FLG
( +359 2 489 5169)

French to English translation:

Hello,
I am writing on behalf of all members of the team FLG management.
We would like to thank you for your performance in Q1 we have closed with great results despite all the time during this difficult period.
In Q2 - we will be faced with additional challenges and believe me, we will accomplish together. As was done always!
J
And for the fun of this good Tuesday in May, we control: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lHs-JGRviD4/T... pizza1.jpg

Thank you all!

Alexandra Dulgerska
FLG Team Leader
(+359 2 489 5169)

-IBM-er GDC SOFIA-

Comment 6/15/11:
Country = Bulgaria
Union Affiliate = PODKREPA
Job Title = na
IBM Division = GDC
Message = I work for IBM, Global Delivery Center in Sofia, Bulgaria. Yesterday the company was full of guards from the security company. When we asked the guys why there are so many of them they confessed that the manager asked the management of the security company to be omnipresent here as a 100-year- celebration was going on at the company and he feared a protest and distribution of protest leaflets from the union at the company. I was really smashed. It all happens in 21st century in EU. No rights to protest, no right to have union activities. What a shame! What a disgrace for IBM! -anon-

Comment 6/15/11:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = Alliance
Job Title = na
IBM Division = na
Message = Flyers handed out at East Fishkill. Good reception. Wore black and blue. -member-

Comment 6/11/11:
Country = Brazil
Union Affiliate = Brazil
Job Title = GTS
IBM Division = GTS
Message =
Do you think that only in the US the IBM employees are suffering, you have to take a look at the morale levels in IBM Brazil, its rock bottom.

Our salaries are frozen, the management is clueless of what is really going on, the GDF implementation is a joke, and the we cant attract the brightest anymore since our salaries are way below market standards.

Its very sad to see such a company with ever increasing EPS treat the people who deliver the results so baddly. Every week we get a farewell note from a top performer collegue leaving for a competitor, sometimes I feel we are in a place that is about to implode, management and HR are a complete joke, and never saw so many short time decisions to make the quarter numbers for SAM and the GMU. signed -Sad Brick IBMER-
Alliance reply: We realize conditions are bad in many countries. That is why we formed the IBM Global Union Alliance.
We need IBM Brazil workers to organize as well. Join us!

Comment 6/10/11:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = Alliance
Job Title = grunt
IBM Division = GTS
Message = I am wearing a black shirt and blue jeans tuesday. No I am not celebrating Sam's IBM! -member-

Comment 2/05/11:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Retired
IBM Division = ITS
Message =
IBM is India's second largest private sector employer according to an article in the Times of India:
-India Times article-
A cross-section of industry analysts and manpower recruitment firms estimate IBM India now employs 100,000 - 130,000 people. This is up from 73,000 in 2007, the last year IBM provided figures for employee numbers. -easyrider-

Comment 10/31/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Retired
IBM Division = ITS
Message = Setback for IBM UK's plan to close the final salary pension scheme. There was a procedural hearing at the High Court in London on 25 October 2010. The hearing dealt with two matters:
* An application by IBM for an expedited trial on the basis that a judgment on issues relating to the closure of the scheme was required in advance of April 2011 (the date when IBM wants to close the scheme).

The Court ruled against expedition. It is not yet clear when the final hearing will now take place, although it will be after April 2011. The exact date will depend on when the Court can accommodate the hearing, as well as the timetable for the preparatory steps required before the hearing. That timetable has not yet been set.

* The procedure to be followed in the proceedings, in particular whether IBM should disclose documentation relating to the questions to be answered in the proceedings.

The Court ruled that IBM must give such disclosure. Disclosure is a normal part of most court proceedings, and the Court saw no reason why the normal procedure should be departed from.

It is possible, but unlikely, that IBM will appeal these decisions.

This is a positive result for members, helping to ensure that they have a proper opportunity to put forward their case to the Court. -easyrider-

Comment 10/20/10:
Country = Chile
Union Affiliate = Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de IBM Chile
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = IGA
Message = Greetings, Here in IBM Chile we already start a UNION, is the first IBM Union recognized in Latin America. We gonna send you a formal information about that in the next days. Thanks and regards -Ci-

Comment 9/22/10:
Country = England
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = exDPE
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Any news on the 250 UK 'retirees' class action against IBM?? -gonebuthaventforgotten!-

Comment 8/04/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITD
Message = UK employees pension fight has started http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-10864403 -UK_Pensions-

Comment 7/21/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = Yes
Job Title = ex-IBMer
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Like Jeff in ITD, I TUPEd into IBM UK in 2002, in my case from a highly reputable and respectful employer. I've recently departed IBM after 8 years of abject, unmitigated misery. The contrast between my former employer and IBM could not have been more stark. IBM simply doesn't give a FF about its staff - it doesn't even pretend to care. IBMers are resources, costs, drains on profit, inconveniences - they are not people. IBM is simply a nasty, bullying, corrupt, rotten company, run by a bunch of faceless, useless, gutless, greedy cowards. Palmisano a leader of men, lovingly shepherding the world to a smarter future? You're having a laugh! "Smart" is the sharp pain you feel when Sam doubles hit pension pot to $40 million in the same year that your IBM pension pot is halved. I'm sure Adolf believed he was leading the world to a brave/smart new future as well, as he embarked on his mission to crush and enslave the planet for the glory of the third Reich. As for what the remaining IBMers should do now, my considered opinion is that the only card you have to play is to organize, unionize and strike - globally. IBM really doesn't give a toss about how unhappy you all are, about your abysmal employee sat results, about your job insecurity, about your stripped benefits, about your lack of compensation, about your work/work balance, about your plundered pensions, about your unjust PBC ratings, or your endless complaints on job rating websites. IBM only cares about share-price and EPS. To change IBM, you need to organize globally and hit them where it hurts comrades - that means acting together, striking and shutting down the company. The world's first "Globally Integrated Enterprise" needs to taste the world's first globally intergrated industrial action. Sadly, I know you won't organize and strike and IBM will continue to abuse you with imponity. That is a cause of great sadness to me, as I have many talented and close friends still in the company. Finally, if you're thinking of leaving IBM, trust me, there is life after Big Blue. I now work for a decent, honest employer for an honest (increased) wage, and I thank God EVERY single day that I've left IBM. -Norwegian Blue-

Comment 7/02/10:
Country = Uk
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = It'd lackey
IBM Division = ITD
Message = IBM UK are deliberately holding back pay rises due to the ITD layoffs, just to be "sensitive" to those being kicked out of the company!!! Makes you "proud" to be an IBMer.....NOT -UK_Anonymous-

Comment 6/05/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = ex-IBM
IBM Division = Systems Groups
Message = An interesting article from the UK Financial Times, which shows why workers in IBM China should be asking for huge pay rises. If you work for IBM China you should be pushing for a 50% pay rise.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6840103e-6f72-11df-9f43-00144feabdc0.html

Ending low pay set to empower consumers and boost economy
By Geoff Dyer in Beijing
Published: June 4 2010 03:00 | Last updated: June 4 2010 03:00

It feels like the end of an era. The spate of strikes and suicides that has rocked China\'s southern manufacturing belt over the past fortnight could well mark the time that China stopped being a place of limitless cheap labour. And for the economy, that could be a thoroughly good thing. The manufacturing hub in Guangdong province has been buzzing with two different but related stories - the suicides at Foxconn , the company that makes the Apple iPad and other high-tech devices, and a high-profile strike at a Honda components plant. Both events have also resulted in eye-catching wage increases - 30 per cent in the case of the Foxconn workers and a 24 per cent offer at the Honda factory (they wanted 50 per cent). -Anonymous-

Comment 5/25/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITD
Message = It's started here in the UK. Approx 250 are being told over the next week we're off, started today in ITD. Good luck to all. I wouldn't bother looking internally, just use the last 30 days to look for jobs elsewhere. Shambles of a company, leadership team who couldn't lead a horse to water. Glad to be rid of them. Others left in UK, watch out, the axe I am sure will be moving round the company sooner rather than later. The "new" PBC performance culture will see to that, they have their ready made excuse for kick people out right there!! -Anonymous_UK-

Comment 5/23/10:
Country = vietnam
Union Affiliate = vinh phuc
Job Title = journalist
IBM Division = 135293104
Message = check international -le minh-
Alliance reply: What is your interest in Alliance@IBM? Do you have information about IBM that you can tell us? We appreciate any comments you may have. We are organizing IBM employees here in the USA. We represent some IBM employees; but we have no contract., yet. Thank you for visiting our web site.

Rick White
Treasurer, Organizer, IT Administrator
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org

Comment 5/16/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = ITD Worker
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Welcome to the party -long-gone-but-interested-, afraid you are a little late. We've now got 10 days and counting till approx 250 people get told they are being made involuntarily redundant. They then just 1 months notice until leave on 5th July 2010. Of course these people have been lined up for involuntary for a while, having had poor PBC ratings for a couple of years, killing their chances of staying on, due to IBM's new "performance culture". The involuntary scoring system is a joke, the management are a joke. The so called Senior Leadership Team who are running this, by law of averages, one of them should go in involuntary or even voluntary. I'll take a stab in the dark right now, I bet they will all be safe. What a bunch of......... -UK_ITD_target-

Comment 5/13/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = was a DPE
IBM Division = ITd
Message = Now heard from 3 separate managers - in different areas - UK are looking at 20% compulsory reductions across the board in ITD org EVEN after the large number of voluntary 'retirements' forced by the Pension rules changes! Those selected will be told of their fate in the last week of May with an end date of July 5th....watch this space. -long-gone-but-interested-

Comment 4/29/10:
Country = France
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = BSO PM
IBM Division = IGF
Message = Greetings from Europe. I am sending you a link to a UK magazine (Personneltoday.com), I suspect it is an organized "leak".
Title: IBM crowd sourcing could see employed workforce shrink by three quarters
http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2010/04/23/55343/ibm-crowd-sourcing-could-see-employed-workforce-shrink-by-three-quarters.html
Regards,
-J R HUMMEL-

Comment 4/24/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Pre-sales
IBM Division = STG
Message = Now here is an interesting article which links into the Bob Moffat saga: Article-Moffat-Saga -Smitty- Comment 4/23/10:

Country = UK
Union Affiliate = n/a
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = UK ITD
Message = I got TUPE'd into IBM in 2002 and (luckily) left today. I can honestly say IBM is quite simply THE worst company I have ever worked for and I pity the poor souls I have left behind. No pay rise worthy of mention for 5-6 years, the only way I managed to get my own back on the scumbag of an organisation was by falsifying my OOH claims each month. IBM treat their employees as if THEY are doing THEM a favour by employing them, it's disgusting. In the team I just left one guy was on £25k, the same as when he got TUPE'd over in 2002, no pay rise at all for 8 years. Every year it would be the same oh there's not enough money in the pot yet they have the nerve to email the staff telling us how many millions profit the company is making. It makes my blood boil to be honest. Absolutely disgraceful organisation, so glad I was able to get out. -Jeff-

Comment 4/21/10:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = Technician
IBM Division = stg
Message = 310 jobs to go in Ireland by July -anon-

Comment 4/12/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Oh well, it was bound to happen, involuntary redundancies here we come!! http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/04/12/ibm_job_cuts_compulsory/ -Anon-

Comment 4/12/10: http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2010/04/12/ibm_job_cuts_compulsory/
IBM job cuts go compulsory. Managers at IBM Global Services in the UK were originally looking for volunteers to cut head count by about 500. But even though they got more than this number of volunteers the process is going to become compulsory for some people. A source told the Register: "It's a mess, especially after all the pensions trouble. People facing redundancy will now be notified by 1 June and will leave IBM on 5 July. It is being run from the top - lower down managers don't know what is going on." -Anon-

Comment 3/09/10:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = Technician
IBM Division = stg
Message = We already had 120 redundancies herein Dublin last year,Back then they told us that the rest of manufacturing would be gone June 2010. We're still waiting for notice anyday now. -joc-

Comment 3/08/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = ITD Worker
IBM Division = ITD
Message = To confirm the below, it's only UK which has the 20%, circa 500 they want out. Ireland has their own problems to deal with. Hopefully neither of us go through involuntary, but everyone knows we will -Anonymous_UK-

Comment 3/03/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = ITD Worker
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Just to correct the previous comment, it is only UK affected by the circa 500. Ireland are on their own with this one. I hope they are not affected and do not have any redundancies announced there. This is something I would not wish on any country. -Anonymous_UK-

Comment 3/02/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = ITD Worker
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Got the numbers today for ITD UK&I. To quote, "circa 500" heads, which out of the total quoted headcount equates to 20% of UK&I ITD workforce. Of course the quoted total scope of employees is debatable, we are sure there are accounts out there which are immune from redundancies, but management won't make that sort of info public. If they did it then will "inspire" the workforce to work for those accounts. As for inspiration, my inspiration is now to rank myself against my peers myself, work out who's "better" or "worse" than me, and avoid helping them as it will make my position worse off. This is what IBM UK management have made me do, well done, hope you are happy.......which if course you are, as you're not in scope! -Anonymous_UK-

Comment 2/28/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Ex Slave
IBM Division = Global Services
Message = As a former IBM'er in the UK, I've found the comments here compulsive viewing since I left 3 years ago. Partly, it's the same fascination as passing a car wreck; but it's also informative seeing what underhanded tricks IBM continues to pull. I use this as education to check that my current employer isn't heading down the same path. I've just made a donation through Paypal and would urge others to do the same. Even though we no longer suffer the abuse of IBM, it would benefit all of us in the long run if IBM could be stopped from mistreating it's staff. This would discourage our current employers from adopting similar practices. -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: Thank you very much for your support. Your donation is much appreciated.
Rick White
Treasurer, Organizer, IT Administrator
and Health & Safety Representative
CWA Local 1701
Alliance@IBM
www.allianceibm.org

Comment 2/27/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITD
Message = IBM is losing talented people, many have gone, and many more will be forced out via these redundancies. IBM are doing this across the world, Aus/NZ, and in the USA, just check the Jobs cuts page. Delivery in IBM's major markets like these are simply a cost overhead IBM could do without. Why keep us delivering at such a high cost when Hungary, Czech, Indian, Argentinian, China, and other countries can do it cheaper.....with less skills, knowledge, experience, and common sense, but hey, they are cheaper. If you tried to explain to an outsider why IBM, making so much profit worldwide, would need to make people redundant, you just couldn't do it. IBM calls it workforce rebalancing, I'd call it simply greed. HP, and the likes are honest when they cut 1000's of jobs, alter pensions for profit, making announcements in print. They almost get respect for being honest. IBM, is not honest, and will never be, they hide the facts and figures. Respect for IBM UK as an employer by it's employee's is beyond a joke within the company, fact. As for the "employee consultation", ha, what a joke, there is no consultation, IBM has their headcount already, and the headcount game now continues for 90 days until the limits are hit for 2010....and then the game continues in 2011...making continued profit at the expense of their employees -UK_ITD_traget-

Comment 2/27/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Retired
IBM Division = ex-GTS
Message = A voluntary separation programme has been announced in the UK, aimed at ITD/GTS. Staff who express an interest will be given an offer by mid-March. Previously a 90 day statutory consultation period for redundancies was announced, with an employee council elected by staff. ITD provides hardware and software support to UK customers. -easyrider-

Comment 2/11/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITD
Message = It's on your job cuts page as well, ITD UK is the next on the chopping block. Comparing UK ITD to India ITD, Hungary ITD...etc, we are just too damn expensive. Regardless of our greater experience, knowledge, and skills, it really doesn't matter, it's all about the Big Blue dollar. They have bought in their new hatchet man, he's announced the consultation period today. They are putting it all in place to get as many out as possible by end of 2Q so they can announce the "improvement" in profitability. I'm sure the new guy will enjoy his bonus, as I am sure that US bloke they brought in last time they did this, once he complete's his job to drop ITD UK off the map. ITD UK is regularly the worst place to work in the UK as proved by the Global Pulse Survey results, you wonder why....hmmmmm. Better get the target printed and put on my back -UK_ITD_target-

Comment 1/27/10:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Consultant
IBM Division = Global Services
Message = Can't remember how much cash IBM has in reserve but evidently it's not enough to help UK staff support their customers: virtually all overtime has been banned until end of March. I guess it proves again that no matter how much money you have it's never enough... -Northener-

Comment 1/16/10:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = Alliance Local 1701
Job Title = was I/T Specialist (RA victim)
IBM Division = 1K
Message = Bravo to the Cepetel union in Argentina standing up to IBM! Let's all hope IBM does not take any retribution and IBM respects their right to oirganize with their representation! If IBM does take any action against them then all IBM unions need to stand in solidarity with them. -unionYes-

Comment 12/29/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Retired
IBM Division = GTS
Message = IBM UK ends 2009 as a much changed company from a year ago. Several thousand employees in the 'final salary' pension scheme have been affected by IBM's decision to close the scheme to existing members. This despite a 'guarantee' given previously that the scheme would be funded until at least 2014. Many of these have applied for early retirement and are expected to leave 1Q 2010. In addition, the imposition of PBC3 quotas and PIPs are an aggressive effort by IBM UK to offload staff with minimal severance packages. IBM UK is successfully unloading many of its more senior and highly paid employees at little cost via these actions. It has resulted in a very large increase in union membership over the year. It is yet to be seen whether the intervention of the union will have a significant effect on IBM's actions. Reports from within the company suggest that staff morale is at an all-time low, with many just waiting for the job market to pick up before finding another job. We can only assume this is the effect that IBM UK intended when it embarked on its actions. -easyrider-

Comment 12/27/09:
Country = United Kingdom
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = SM
IBM Division = not known
Message = IBM UK Ltd has made the decision to close its final salary (DB) pension to future accrual moving employees to a Direct Contribution pension (DC) resulting in an enormous amount of distress and hit to productivity and support for their employer for all those people who have accepted the lack of pay-rises and bonuses and promotions for quite some years now because at least their pension was 'protected'!! this means that a huge number of senior, experienced (highly paid) managers and reportees will leave (or have already left) the company in 2010 - with no leaving package, golden handshake or any recompence apart from what they can glean from their standard company pension...a huge victory for IBM Corp with massive savings being made whilst h/c reductions are accomplished. I personally know of 117 people to whom this situation applies and 10 already gone, 51 will leave IBM in next 4 months, 12 have decided to stay as they are dependant upon their salary and the status of the rest is not yet known but will become clear over the next few days. I believe this number will be multiplied by at least a factor of 10 to represent the total amount of UK employees affected. -toolateI'mscrewed!-

Comment 11/26/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITS
Message = Intersting stuff from BIG Z Well I must say, life is great outside IBM, more money shorter hours and managers that want you, managers that manage rather than just do what they are told what to do from above. Also pay increases evey year. Superb should have left IBM years ago. -x ukibmer-

Comment 11/24/09:
Country = CZ
Union Affiliate = NO
Job Title = IT specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Even I am from Europe I do not consider myself as work thief. My job is connected with CEEMEA countries. On the other hand I fully agree with US colleagues and their frustration. IBM rather pay for expensive IT services in Dubai, rather build new IDC centers than implement service which are offered to IBM customers in own company. After 15 years (4 years AT&T - '99 deal) I am ready to leave without package, because of: I am pressed to do work for 3 persons. I am pressed to handle everything via mail daily even IBM offers workflow tools to customers. I am persuaded by boss and colleagues that work 11 hours daily is something normal. As international team member I have to keep evidence about everything. I am blamed that I do not well my job, received PBC=3 even I can't see family due unpaid overtimes. Vacation has no sense as nobody act as my stand-in and I have to deal with backlog everytime when I am back at office. I feel as a slave not live in 21st of century with mobbing legalized. I am ready to spend 3 months in madhouse to recover myself and became human again. Job should be humanized! Eleven hours with laptop in mails, spreadsheets, calls and endless reports should not be accepted If I would US citizen I would became your member immediately. Wish you that your effort will bring satisfaction for US IBMers and life ballance for your families. -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: Thank you for your support. If you would like to send us information about any IBM corporate activities in your country, it would be of great help to us and we would appreciate it very much. I don't know very much about the labor laws in your country.
Please send us information: Contact Us
It will be confidential between us and IBM will NOT know about it.

Comment 11/15/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Sales
IBM Division = STG
Message = Quote: " IBM the company that looks after its shareholders first and cares not a jot for its employees. A policy that is so shortsighted that will end in tears for all. -UKIBMER-"
Hey UKIBMer, like you I jumped the ship and got a nice pay rise. I am guessing Brendon is having to bring in the ESP as they are losing good people. For reference when I left it cost IBM UK ?20m rev and ?8m profit, as I had a nice deal in the pipeline that I was 80% certain of winning - the person who took it over mucked it up. This is clear evidence that Palmisano is failing to provide shareholder value. He has driven down costs, but has failed to align the business with the market. If you want evidence, then ask why Apple's capitalisation is now higher than than IBM's. Palmisano has failed IBM's shareholders by failing to invest in IBM's employees and IBM's technology - I'd be as bold as to suggest IBM needs a new CEO. -Big Z-

Comment 11/08/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = UK
Job Title = mgmr
IBM Division = HW services
Message = Your readers should see this article:
http://socyberty.com/issues/tell-us-how-ibm-ruined-your-health-and-ability-to-earn-a-living-due-to-greed-and-inhumanity/-anonymous-

Comment 10/22/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = NA
Job Title = Admin
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Just received a mail from Brendon Riley, General Manager, IBM UK and Ireland:
Team,
In May this year, I announced that we would not be implementing an Employee Salary Programme (ESP) for the UK in 2009. This was as a result of tough market conditions, together with the challenges we were facing around our own performance as a business. However, I also committed that as and when these conditions changed, we would revisit this decision.
Today, I am delighted to announce two important updates regarding our Employee Salary Programme (ESP). I am pleased to confirm that we will be running a 2009 ESP for our top contributors. This will be implemented on 6th December 2009 and backdated to 1st July 2009. This does not apply to Executives.
Second, I am announcing our commitment to run an Employee Salary Programme in 2010. This signals our confidence in the transformation of our business and its positive future results. These announcements reinforce our commitment to reinvest in our people, while simultaneously making significant business changes. Thank you all for your continued hard work in helping us towards a successful close to 2009.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Not sure what to make of that ?!
Guess this program might not be so costly to IBM, considering the number of people being offshored or who will get a low PBC rating ?
Coincidence after the Moffat Insider Trading Scandal ? Anyway, thought I would let our US colleagues know about this ;-) -Spitfire-

Comment 10/16/09:
Country = uk
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITS
Message = Hi, After 15 years I am out of here. the company stinks, Handed in my resignation and boy am I happy. 8K extra a year at new company and every year tstaff get at least and pay rise equal to inflation. IBM the company that looks after its shareholders first and cares not a jot for its employees. A policy that is so shortsighted that will end in tears for all. -UKIBMER-

Comment 10/15/09:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = N
Job Title = Advisory IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITS
Message = We were told last month by management that we are gone end of November. All our departments work moving to Brazil and India. These people who are taking over our jobs were sent to Canada so we could train them face to face. What a joke. Just found something terribly wrong about that, so I did not make myself available , only pointed them review documentation we have. Just unbelievable is the fact that I was rated a 1 this year. Just received a 2.5% raise and all for nothing. Going to get as much online education as I can these next few weeks and move on. Lousy way to end career with what was once a great company to work for. -JustAnotherNumber-

Comment 09/27/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Management Induced Separation is rife here in the UK, to get people out before quarter end. MIS packages are only: 1 week for every year employed, to a maxium of 12 weeks!! Yes, you read that right, 12 weeks - only 3 months. For some, if they wanted to leave, they would have to give 3 months notice. Now IBM wants us to leave, they pay us 3 months. Reasons for MIS range from "poor performance" on a specific task or activity, or in relation to current banding. There are a lot of highly skilled people on their way out come 5th October. Will be interesting to see how many people drop off the ST list come 6th October. People who have taken the MIS have been told to keep it quiet. IBM UK is not the place to work, nobody is recommending it. Cuts, cuts, cuts, pensions down the drain, MIS's on everyone's doorstep, offshoring is continuing at an alarming pace. I'm dragging it out as long as I can, get some skills which I can use elsewhere, and leave this crap hole which is IBM UK!!! -Anonymous-UK-

Comment 09/24/09: (copied from General VisitorComments)
Friends, I hear repeated comments about sheeple, those who do not join are doomed, etc. These comments are all valid. However, from my own experience, if many people are not joining it is because of fear. Once a break happens there will be a flood. I myself is terribly afraid. If one has a huge mortgage are 45 years old, and live from paycheque to paycheque, I think I am not entirely stupid by being afraid. It will help if there are more personal appearances or meeting of the leaders somewhere. I know it is a million dollar question how can a leader come up. Well if a leader is reading at the Toronto Lab you have the answer. This company is only living in the name of what it was. If a union can change it it will be better for all of us. The bean counter Execs only want to line their personal pockets. -IBM Canada-

Comment 09/21/09: (copied from PBC Comments)
Band Level = 7
Years Service = 30+
Prior Yr PBC = 2+
This Yr PBC = 2+
This Yr Bonus = 0
Prior Yr Bonus = 0
Message = Anticipate rotten pbc review for 2010. Since IBM Canada has decided to cut out pay for overtime and our department is both under staffed and over loaded working through evenings and weekends was the norm, For 2010 I plan to be available for the 37.5 hours spelled out in my original employment offer and no more. getting job in local quiki mart to make up for the under paying IBM. -Walking Dead-

Comment 09/21/09:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = No union seems active in Canada
Job Title = disgruntled wage slave
IBM Division = ITD
Message = Canadian departments CHS and CDT currently doing knowledge transfer to their replacements in India. End of the line for CHS/CDT departments in Canada. Not much hope for finding alternate positions when the axe hits. -walking dead-

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 09/09/09:
Country = uk
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = storage
IBM Division = its
Message = Hi Thanks for your responses, I am in my early 50's so am an old dog. I will ask and see what happens -ukibmer-

Comment 09/07/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = n/a
Job Title = Admin
IBM Division = GTS
Message = I would agree with Big Z.: I asked my manager for a redundancy package a couple of months ago. The answer was a straight no. Reason: no budget for it... Target seems to be old timers (plan C trick) and subcontractors first. -Spitfire-

Comment 09/05/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Architect
IBM Division = STG
Message = Hi -ukibmer- . On your question about redundancy packages in the UK, I think this is unlikely. I am now out of IBM, and prior to leaving had the same thought as yourself, should I hang on a bit and see if they offer some packages. I gave up on that idea though as I in my heart I knew I was too young for IBM to offer me a package. Its fairly obvious the people they want to lose are the older more expensive workers, and this is how the C Plan changes have been targeted. I do know of relatively recent times two people who did get packages, one had been on long term sick and the other cut a deal with their manager for a bad PBC after long service. But now, I suspect the plan is to let the pension changes be the cause of people exiting the business. -Big Z-

Comment 09/04/09:
Country = uk
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = Storage Expert
IBM Division = ITS
Message = I have been with IBM for approx 15 years. During my time it has gone from being a pretty good employer to the state we are now, i.e no pay increases, no bonuses, taken away broadband and all the other shocking stuff they have carried out in the last few years. However I am currently working at a customer site and as I have been so naffed off with IBM, I spoke to the customer about going to work for them full time. They have now offered me a fulll time job more pay less hours etc. What I am trying to find out before Ii resign is to see if there are any voluntary redundancy deals in IBM or if anyone has heard that they are likley to ask for volunteers or make people redundant soon in the UK. Any ideas, please. -ukibmer-

Comment 09/04/09:
Country = India
Union Affiliate = Y
Job Title = Senior Advisroy Consultant
IBM Division = JPD
Message = E -Sanjeev-

Comment 09/03/09:
Country = Australia
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = AU SO Deliv
Message = Just been told that as at start of week plans underway in all AU offices for SO Deliv staff (at least) to move back to offices (i.e. Work from Home has "failed" according to manager type). Part of GDF actions supposedly (i.e. co-location). I guess the problem is these wankers in IBM-US managment driving this ex McKinsey Lean now GDF strategy don't give a tinkers cuss for their co-workers during the economic downturn.. but hey, that next quarter result must sure look good when those that don't want to return to 2-4hr commutes and an extra $200-250/month in fares decide to jump ship we've already added $50+/month to pay for internet access for the "pleasure" of working from home- gee IBM, think of the money you'll save and offload to us !Cost reductions! And sure, we'll all come back to the office and "buddy-up" with someone again (maybe you'll send us some nice ICs from the BRIC group to co-train as well!) But hey chaps, who's going to sort out your workload once the upturn comes? Where will your good Solution Desginers, SMEs, and brains-trust people be? Working for the opposition, working for a client, out on a contract somewhere.. the smart ones will never promote IBM product once they're out there.. EMC, HDS, Stotek hardware sales, CA software, will get the new deals. And irony is, all the nice Line 1 managers will get the shaft too, because they already have Line1s in India and China that are cheaper than you too.. hang on, doesn't that mean we can then drop some local Line2s as well! Wow.. could take out a whole division here or there and an Exec as well.. Get your resumes ready all, as what I am seeing is if you're in a first-world country i.e. incl US, Canada, UK, AU, etc, and in GTS/SO, IBM really doesn't want you or your expertise, so go flog it to someone who does. If they really want you back on contract, charge them triple the going rate. And don't pander to them and train the BRICs, stuff em, find some excuse to be busy. -Despairing_Specialist-

Comment 09/03/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = ITS
Message = Just been told that management want staff to Volunteer to take unpaid holiday to cut down on costs. This from a company that apparently makes billion -itjustgetsworse_intheuk-

Comment 08/31/09:
Country = Japan
Union Affiliate = JMIU-IBM
Job Title = staff
IBM Division = IBM-Japan
Message =
IBM Japan has officially announced that there will be no raises of any kind for any reason this year. This is a consistent and natural conclusion to IBM-Japan's ongoing policy the past several years of giving smaller and smaller raises to fewer and fewer people. -Becoming poorer-

Comment 08/29/09:
Country = United Kingdom
Union Affiliate = UNITE(UK)
Job Title = Technical Support Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = I have been dismayed for years about the erosion of the relationship between management and staff. PBC's forced into a 'downward assessment', education all but killed off(ultimately 'dumbing down' employee technical abilities). Management have imposed a methodology of 'divide and conquer', by - amongst others - awarding pay-rises to those lucky enough to get any according to PBC standings. They have for years used too much stick, and quite simply no carrot. The company(UK) used to be able to boast a workforce that would walk over 'hot coals' in the name of IBM. Fiercely loyal, passionately believing in IBM, and would never, ever countenance the thought of having any union representation. Since the early 1990's the erosion of IBM - both as a company, and as an employer is astounding. This is - in my mind - nothing short of criminal mis-management. 'Big Blue' is being captained by 'Capt. Ahab', and navigated through corporate waters by 'Blind Pew', totally oblivious to the catastrophy ahead. They WILL NEVER regain the loyalty, trust, and belief from their workforce again ......... I do believe they are sounding the 'Lloyds Bell' for the 'once great ship' IBM...... -justaUKmule-

Comment 08/13/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Snr Software Developer
IBM Division = Hursley Lab
Message = Anyone here from UK? I am an unemployed programmer..the only job offer I have had is from IBM for a contract position...don't want to work at IBM but nothing else is available. The hiring manager said he wants me to go permanent in 6 months (but can't garauntee how long the job will last still) Anyone know how much a band 7 software developer pay range is? -Slave-

Comment 08/12/09:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = I/T Specialist
IBM Division = Global Services
Message = Previous comment regarding eliminating overtime was confirmed in an announcement last night. Effective February 2010.
Subject: Changes to the Additional Compensation (AddComp) Policy and Hours of Work
Over the past several years, there have been a number of changes, both within the marketplace and provincial labour legislation, specifically with respect to overtime compensation. Our market research shows that more and more companies are aligning to provincial overtime exemptions and more than half of our competitors do not pay overtime to equivalent IBM roles in the marketplace. As a result, IBM’s current policies place us at a disadvantage when competing for new business. The changes we are announcing will improve our competitive position and contribute to the long-term health of our business – something which will benefit all IBM employees and shareholders. To better align to provincial legislation regarding overtime eligibility, IBM has reviewed job roles and determined that additional Band 6 and 7 roles are classified as exempt and therefore are not eligible for overtime compensation. Additionally, we are changing Band 8 eligibility for Standby pay and are updating the Hours of Work policy to reflect the current environment and IBM's pay-for-performance culture. Effective February 6, 2010, the following changes will be made in regards to overtime eligibility and standby pay. Overtime Eligibility The following roles have been classified as exempt and will no longer be eligible for overtime compensation:
All Band 7 roles in Saskatchewan
All Band 6 and 7 roles in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland
All Band 6 and 7 technical roles in Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Alberta
All Band 7 non-technical roles in Ontario, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Alberta -Anonymous-

Comment 08/10/09:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = CWA Canada
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = Doesn't matter
Message = I posted this on another board on this site. IBM Canada will be moving to eliminate overtime pay for band 6 and band 7 employees in January 2010. Also, band 8 employees will no longer be paid for carrying a pager. It feels great to be a valued asset of IBM doesn't it? -Anonymous-

Comment 08/04/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Re -floater_in_the_talent_pool's post. A useful insight, which helps explain some of IBM\'s recent activities. The point about quality is relevant - IBM is increasingly living on its past reputation in this area. If customers reach the point where many have a low opinion of the quality of IBM products or services, IBM will be in big trouble. Once a reputation built over many years becomes tarnished it can take many more years to restore. -easyrider-

Comment 08/03/09: In Canada, we've been asked to complete our CV's (resume's) online/blue pages - anyone know why we're being asked to do this when our jobs are going overseas? Must be a connection there I think. -DM-

Comment 08/01/09:
Country = United Kingom
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Architect
IBM Division = GBS
Message = Had a recent UK business briefing as a 'lucky member' of the talent community. BTW, if you ain't in this top 10%, you ain't work spitting on as far as management are concerned. If I ever dropped out of this, I would find another job. Told as a country we aren't making enough profit despite our large revenues (4th largest). This is why there's no 'investment' (i.e. wage increases, awards, anything) from the corporation into the UK. IBM is a fully globalised business - not a multinational - and will take the work wherever it can be done at best price. We've 85000
people in India/China, and we'll move those jobs off to the next place...Vietnam....wherever...as their prices go up. Thankfully no BS about hard economic times, credit crunch etc - that excuse does not hold water and they know it. IBM is stronger and more rampant than ever, massive profits and strong growth compared to all competitors (even in some areas it is negative, but much less so than rivals). Very direct globalist message, with no respect for the individual at all. Investment - wages, conditions, is literally where do we put in effort to get the most profit out. Not in the sense of investing in people or communities. IBM will just put work where it can get done at highest profit, even if the quality is crap. -floater_in_the_talent_pool-

Comment 07/30/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Anger in UK at pension scheme closure. As more details emerge of IBM UK's plans, it gets worse. Not content with closing the exisitng final salary schemes next April, there will be big increases in the penalties made for taking early retirement.
At present, a 55 year old can take early retirement with a 15% reduction of his pension. From April this will rise to about 50%.
There will be a window in 4Q when those affected can apply for early retirement, to leave by April 2010.
This is widely seen as a cheap way of trying to offload older and more highly paid employees, without paying for severence packages.
Many workers are joining the Unite union, until now IBM UK has largely been a non-union company. -easyrider-

Comment 07/08/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = NA
Job Title = Admin
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Pension closure in UK...now confirmed http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8139680.stm -spitfire-

Comment 07/06/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = IBM
Job Title = AM
IBM Division = Sales
Message = Keep an eye out for some pension plan announcement coming out soon for the UK, apperantly people of over a certain age might have their salaries affected? -Floyd-

Comment 07/03/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = na
Job Title = Admin
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Just heard that Dealhub UK was also going to Hungary this summer. Some staff in Business Operations also to go or gone already...IBM knows how to operate discreetly...! -spitfire-

Comment 07/02/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = GDF Is about to to be implemented in the UK. So far no one has been able to able/willing to confirm if relocations of remote workers to GDF sites will be expected. It will be interesting to see how this is handled in the UK..... -wage_slave-

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 06/17/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = NA
Job Title = Admin role
IBM Division = GTS
Message = UK headquarters in Portsmouth (North Harbour) are slimming. Not half (of what used to be IBM owned and fully occupied buildings) remains. A few dozen of contractors have been sacked this month. Why ? Offshoring to India and Eastern Europe. It's an on-going project (I've been told of code name "Galileo project" ?) so nothing really new there. Still... HR has already gone to Hungary, Payroll to the Philippines, Fulfillment to Slovakia and Finance people starts to be India based. No news of that in any media of course...
Many many thanks to Alliance! Great job really. Hope you will succeed in getting the membership. It worth it, really... -Spitfire-

Comment 06/16/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Sales
IBM Division = STG
Message = I am not aware of any job cuts, though I know a few who have been told to look for new jobs so perhaps - some RAs are coming. A few people also seem to have left or be leaving for better jobs outside of IBM - unfortunately for IBM these seem to be some of the better and harder working people whilst a lot of the time servers sit it out. -Big Z-

Comment 06/09/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = UK GTS have issued some voluntary separation packages. -easyrider-

Comment 06/05/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = UK GTS 1st line managers told to ensure CLAIM reporting is complete and up to date. In the US this is seen as a sign that separation packages are to be issued. -easyrider-

Comment 05/27/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = GTS in the UK has released most of its contract staff and announced a total pay freeze for 2009, to reduce labour costs. 1st line managers attending HR sessions on how to manage 3 performers coming to the end of Performance Improvement Plans. -easyrider-

Comment 05/18/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS / ITD
Message = No Salary Improvement Plan in the UK this year - just been confirmed. Wonder what happened to the "60% of IBMers will get raises this year" quote from Big Sam's letter from the full year results? Maybe the 60% to get raises are all in India or something. Another year of pay erosion to look forward to. Makes you wonder why you bother really. -AnonUK-

Comment 05/14/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = n/a
Job Title = sales
IBM Division = s&d
Message = Just got it anounced. No sips this year, again. Surprise surprise.......Not quite what it has got left to go for anymore. Next
thing on the table no doubt will be changes in sales plans .......again. All quite demoralising really. -Floyd-

Comment 05/12/09: Rumour has it - but based on leaks from briefings to managers - that IBM UK will shortly announce a pay freeze for all staff - no exceptions - in the UK for this year. -Anonymous UK-

Comment 05/12/09: I wish we had the "WARN" system you have in the US here in Canada. Has anyone heard about GBS here? -In the Dark-
Alliance reply: WARN is better than nothing; however, not much better in IBM's case. IBM has learned how to 'get around' WARN by firing just under the number that's required to notify through WARN. IBM fires in the low 20's or even 3-10 employees in a function that is spread around 2 or 3 states, and they don't necessarily, have to notify through WARN. It's typical of companies like IBM to find every way they can to skirt government regs and laws for their own sake. Employees would not have to depend on WARN or most other weak US labor laws, if they were union and had a contract to spell out all those kinds of situations over the life of the contract.

Comment 05/12/09: Confirmed today in Canada - all contractors to take 20% time off for the next 4 weeks. This is in addition to the 10% rate cuts a few months ago. -DM-

Comment 05/12/09: Is anyone monitoring the WARN notices across the US. According to this site, there have already been over 300 positions under threat in California alone in Q2. http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/warn/eddwarncnal09.pdf -Anonymous UK-

Comment 4/29/09:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Rather not say
IBM Division = GBS/AMS
Message = There was apparently a UKI management call about redundancies today. No-one outside management knows details. -Anonymous Coward-

Comment 4/17/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = Transformation SME
IBM Division = GTS
Message = The axe is falling in EMEA, all contractors in my dept on notice from IBM. Have seen the same knee jerk reaction in other departments in the last few weeks. -So long and thanks for the fish-

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 04/14/09: IBM is going to start layoffs in Europe soon too... http://www.telecomseurope.net/article.php?type=article&id_article=8365 -BraceYourselves-

Comment 4/14/09:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Rather not say
IBM Division = GBS/AMS
Message = Just backing up some of the UK comments, they also apply here and my PDM has said policies are being imposed from out of country - there are a lot more PBC 3's this year (moderated down) and PIP's have been initiated following the first one. I have not previously had a 3 and nor have many now experiencing a PIP. Combined with a mandatory 3 for low utilisation during '09 I'm feeling very insecure. -Anonymous Coward-

Comment 4/07/09:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = YEP
Job Title = Tech
IBM Division = server
Message = 2 WEEKS to go to freedom and no more JOG -Dace-

Comment 4/02/09:
Country = India
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = Journalist
IBM Division = none
Message = Hi UKeye, anyone else. I'm a British journalist based in India. I'm doing something about IBM layoffs and Project Match. I'm also looking at how some of the Indian IT companies seem to be stepping up hiring in UK and US. I'm looking to talk to anyone -- anonymously if necessary -- who:
a) Has been offered redundancy or relocation to India on Indian wages (Thanks Big Blue!)
b) Has taken up the offer (there may be one or two)
c) Has not taken up the offer
c) Has been offered or is going for a job in UK, US or elsewhere with Wipro, TCS or Infosys (or AN Other)
d) Who can give me any background at all on any of the above.

I'm available at richardworange@gmail.com, 00919920543869, or rworange (skype)

Cheers and good luck, -Richard-

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 3/18/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = none
IBM Division = none
Message =
"Message = To -wow- : What you are describing is completely illegal under UK employment law TUPE (Transfer Under Permanent Employment) - unless of course you are a contractor - cynical -cynical-"
if only it was. They are claiming "economic, technical or organisational reasons" which are valid reasons under TUPE. I checked with ACAS , an employment laywer & the union. So much for TUPE! the only difference it makes are they are forced to pay up my redundancy & notice period. -Wow-

Comment 3/14/09:
Country = U.K.
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = Consultant
IBM Division = ITS
Message = To -wow- : What you are describing is completely illegal under UK employment law TUPE (Transfer Under Permanent Employment) - unless of course you are a contractor - cynical -cynical-

Comment 03/11/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = None
IBM Division = don't know
Message = I claim the shortest IBM career ever! ... My job is being transferred to IBM on 16th May at 00.01 ...I have just been told that IBM is making me redundant on 16th May at 00.02 ... my work is going to be done from South Africa instead. -Wow!-

Comment 03/06/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = IGS
Message = UK HR have changed rules about PIP (Performance Improvement Plan), used as 1st step towards possible MIS (Management Initiated Separation). Previously needed after consecutive PBC 3 ratings, now on 1st PBC 3 rating. Rules changed in February, after PBC sign-off in January. HR attempting to make change back-dated to affect existing PBCs. -easyrider-

Comment 03/01/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = Abused "Software Engineer" Grunt
IBM Division = SWG
Message = It is now becoming very clear the here in the UK SWG division PBC ratings have taken a massive battering. I gather there was urgency to get employee input back early. Then things stalled wating for something else/guidance from IBM Corporate. I've heard of one area where 1st/2nd line managers could not agree/accept they had any PBC 3 performers. It went for higher review. Not yet heard what the outcome was. Closer to ground level I hear there are many employees sharing information on how they and their colleagues have been downgraded from 2+ to 2 and 2 to 3. Looks like past consitant 1 performers also got heavily hit. In the areas where my info source work, moral for employees aged 40+ with many years experience is at rock bottom. Some don't want to comment but apparantly you can feel, see and hear the deep despression and total lack of faith in anything related to being an IBM employee. The feeling amongst the older people is that levels and ratings are being freely given to the younger cheaper employees. These employees seems to take their gifts whilst at the same time continue to plan the extraction of maximum money/share options whilst they last. Then they leave. Meanwhile the experienced old timers hold the fort but get no rewards for doing so. When it comes to development then it is reported that many think that the Hursley UK Labs will be shut within the next 10 years. Already there is key product development going on with people in China, Russian and India. Resource/headcount I gather is sadly lacking in the labs, putting many projects under severe strain to such an extent that creative accounting reporting is going on back to Corporate. Makes me kind of glad to be elsewhere employed in the UK business. -UKEye-

Comment 02/21/09:
Country = Japan
Union Affiliate = JMIU-IBM
Job Title = Financial Analyst
IBM Division = F&P, IBM Japan
Message = I am vice secretary general and union website administrator of Japanese workers union (JMIU-IBM = Japan Metal and Information
machinery workers Union). I have also "ranked" as PBC 4 for 2008 in spite of PBC 2 for 2007, and my salary for 2009 will be down over 20%. In this annual income reduction, my household economy is a situation in front of a breakdown. I am very surprised at viewing your site that IBM in US acts the same as in Japan. During last quarter, IBM Japan has not only cut over 1,000 job, but also posts the mail includes the preliminary announcement for low evaluation to many employees who did not accept the "resource action program", and almost all of the "projected" PBC score had realized last month. I think that Your site, especially "IBM Employee News and links" is excellent at informing the situation around IBM. I shall make the English-language site for excerpts from our Japanese union website and "Kaina" (an Japanese old term means "Arms") paper articles in the near future. I am certain that we have to fight against the dismissal and low evaluation, salary decrease attack from IBM in worldwide basis. Let me share the information each other, and fight together to stop the "resource action program"s. -Takayuki Ishihara-

Comment 02/13/09:
Country = uk
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = systems Programmer
IBM Division = Dunno yet
Message = Reading the job cut news & finding out how IBM operates is not great news for me. I've just been told IBM is taking over some of our work in the UK & I'm moving over to them, with no choice. Feel for you guys! -Doomed-

Comment 02/11/09:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = CTS tech support
IBM Division = Services
Message = We have just been notified a couple of days ago were being let go. IBM in Canada is moving a huge chunk of its helpdesk and CTS supports to India leaving a lot of IBM'ers and contractors without a job. Not sure of exact figures but my account alone has a 100+ agents. My manager is actually going to india to train our replacements before eventually going back here without a job. -anonymous-

Comment 02/08/09:
Country = CANADA
Union Affiliate = Not yet
Job Title = Software Developer
IBM Division = Software Group
Message = On the "Other IBM Unions around the world" <http://www.endicottalliance.org/unions.htm> I tried sending an e-mail using the link that appears under the heading "To IBM Canada employees" that appears on that page. I want to find out how I can get involved here, but after a week, the e-mail came back as undelivered. Does anybody know where I should really direct my inquiries? -sign me up-
Alliance reply: Here is the info we have. Try calling on the phone if the email doesn't work. Let us know how you make out.
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 2/08/09:
Hi. Your corporate employers are screwing you.
1) why do you vote keep voting for the same corrupt republicans and democrats politicians who are supposed to represent you in the various institutions. instead of defending those same employers who are screwing you?
2) why didn't you guys vote for ralph nader, He is on the workers side?
3) why don't you go do mass protest on the streets of your country, just like we do here in europe?
4) stop complaining and get off your couch and go protest on the streets
5) if there are so many millions americans hurting, why don't you create a political party to represent yourselves, rather than depend on the 2 existing corrupt political parties, which have been "bought" by corporate america.
5) why don't you boycott all corporate america's products? These are more effective tools and actions than just whining in blogs. -european viewer-

Comment 2/04/09: Hi.. just got told 120 jobs to go, first cut, business moving to singapore, voluntary or unvoluntary in Stg Dublin....before April 09 -CONCERNED-
Alliance Reply: To all IBM Ireland employees: If you wish to organize or get some information please contact the Communications Workers Union, Ian McArdle ian@cwu.ie

Comment 02/04/09:
Country = Eire
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Jack of all Trades
IBM Division = Server
Message = Just being told 120 jobs to go in dublin -Little green Man-

Comment 02/01/09:
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = UK GTS 1st line management told to ensure 10% of employees are ranked 3 or less at PBC. Clears the ground for possible Management Initiated Separation later in the year if needed. -easyrider-

Comment 1/31/09: I'm in a Maintenance and Technical Support callcenter in Australia and have been reading the Alliance@IBM website daily over the last 2 weeks. It's very scary whats happening in the US. We experienced lager layoffs than normal last year, and now I'm afraid more is going to happen. In Australia other work sectors have unions, but I am not aware of any that covers IBMers in Australia like Alliance@IBM in USA. Any suggestions? -ScaredAussie-
Alliance reply: check out this link: http://www.asumembers.org.au/flightdeck-eba-campaign

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 01/30/09:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = Not yet
Job Title = SERVER 3
IBM Division = SERVER
Message = Hi , Pbc rolled out ,,for 2008 ,,allot of people dropped from 2+ to 2....poor excused for this drop , some have been getting 2+ for some years ,,,whats going on ....Lean is in ,,,but is it to late. -Eire-

Comment 01/28/09:
Country = Eire
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Jack of all Trades
IBM Division = Server
Message = Can anyone shed any light on rumers and stories we are hearing here ,Talk of 180 to go -anonymous-

Comment 01/19/09:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = IT Specialiat
IBM Division = GTS
Message = UK GTS management are informally informing some employees that voluntary separation packages may be on the way. -readytogo-

Comment 01/11/09:
Country = Czech republic
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = IT specialist
IBM Division = IDC Brno
Message =
Hello, I would like to draw attention of all IBMers to the Story described there: http://crazystory.baywords.com/ It is story about Fraud & its covering up, bad management and about end of career of one of perspective man in IBM. -Doktor-

Comment 01/10/09:
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = Service Technician
IBM Division = IBM Canada
Message = I was given this site by an IBM friend. I am a retiree since 1993 when I was forced into retirement. I jointed IBM in 1966 and was looking forward to my 2012 retirement. IBM was my life and was the greates company in the world. It took care of me and I to the best of my ability returned the favour. Then in the 80's that changed. In a matter of a few years they turned 180 degrees and changed all the great things it stood for. The employee became something to hire and fire and lie to. In my case I went from a 2 performer all my life at IBM to a 4 performer in a matter of 3 months without an explanation and then I was retired. Four months of depression later I finally snapped out of it and it took many more years to realize it wasn't my fault but IBM's treachery. Good Luck in trying to force IBM to go back to its good old days. -Reinhard Schwarz-

Comment 01/09/09:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = U.S
Job Title = Proc. eng
IBM Division = server
Message = We hear that 180-185 jobs to go in Dublin. Any info please reply. -Gal-

Comment 09/6/08:
Country = MEXICO
Union Affiliate = NONE
Job Title = IT SPECIALIST
IBM Division = GTS
Message = Alguna opción de tomar como base su trabajo y empezar Unión en países de habla hispana como MEXICO? Lo necesitamos, hay una verdadera necesidad de hacer respetar nuestros derechos humanos y laborables en paises como MEXICO? Alguna Sugerencia???
Alliance reply: Sí tenemos que construir sindicatos a IBM en Mexico, así como América Central y del Sur. La organización de IBM en todo el mundo debe ser para mejor proteger y mejorar nuestros derechos, los salarios y la vida. En solidaridad!

Translation from ImTranslator 3.2: Some option to take his work as a base and to begin Union in countries of Hispanic speech as MEXICO? Do we need it, there is a real need to make to respect our human and working rights in countries as MEXICO? Some Suggestion? -MEXICANO-
Alliance reply: Yes we need to build IBM unions in Mexico and Central and South America. The organization of IBM worldwide must be to better protect and enhance our rights, wages and life. In solidarity!

Comment 09/3/08:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA 1701
Job Title = Sr. I/T Specialist
IBM Division = 1K
Message = To IBM Flightdeck in Baulkham Hills NSW, Australia: Keep up the fight! I am in solidarity with all of you; we are all in the fight for fairness from IBM together. I hope IBM finally agrees to sit down at the table and bargain collectively in good faith with you. -sby_willie-

Comment 08/13/08:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = yes
Job Title = build
IBM Division = server
Message = Hello, Lean is starting in my area .They want more work for less . Most of us got no pay rise and they expect more. So bring on the lean process and lets see it fail. -peter-

Comment 07/29/08:
Country = Eire
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Slave
IBM Division = Server
Message = Received Cip which is to only affect PBC 1 and a few 2+. No information about how much for those people. Excuse is because of the way the economy is going despite record profits for the company. Wonder where all that money is going. Any info? -Exploited-

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 7/19/08:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = Moral Compass detractor
IBM Division = AS
Message = http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/18/ibm_q2_2008_earnings/comments/ Its not getting any better in Europe either. Its a war of attrition now, and the good people are being affected! -Anonymous-

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 07/10/08: Being a female Graduate Engineer and IT professional who had worked for IBM for several years, I was targeted by lower paid IBM Managers who wanted to keep their jobs. It's the height of hypocrisy of IBM to say that they are looking for "Experienced Professionals in Australia" when the management only wants low-paid, and inexperienced 20 year olds to "manage", so that the uneducated 30 year old line managers can keep their jobs! They laid off their most valuable assets -- Experienced Professionals. http://www-07.ibm.com/employment/au/ep/ IBM is just another profit hungry amoral company struggling to survive in the greedy IT market of today. -Anonymous-

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:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA
Job Title = I/T Specialist
IBM Division = GBS
Message = To Amazed from Japan: In the USA I got a 15% base pay cut in February which put me about $2000 USA under the band 08 minimum for geography for I/T Specialist (about $65,000 or so, the band minimum is higher than this). I was rated a PBC 2+ too. I reckon I would be better off working in IBM Japan :) IBM can do anything it wants in the global scheme of things without a strong global union presence. -IT paycut test resource-

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 6/24/08:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA 1701
Job Title = I/T Specialist
IBM Division = 1K
Message = The IBM executive bastards used IBM Ireland until China was ready for the IBM global initiatives. No doubt about it! They don't call the preferred IBM countries they offshore//move/expand business BRIC for nothing and we all know the"I" is for India and not Ireland. -Joe A Beamer-

Comment 6/02/08:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = secret
IBM Division = secret
Message = What's happening in Ireland is that the tax breaks IBM got from the Republic of Ireland have expired - never mind that once that contract was signed IBM tried to reduce the level of promised jobs and to reduce the level of those jobs. For the last 10 years IBM has done whatever it could to weasel out of their contractual agreement to screw over the Irish government. Once again "the most ethical company in the world" (cough, cough) is run by a bunch of con men and thugs. -Frank-

Comment 5/31/08:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = NA123
Job Title = Operations
IBM Division = server
Message = Hi All,
As im sure you are all aware the dublin plant is losings its I/P series assembly operations to china. We have been predicting this for the last 2 years. It looks like the end is coming. We have been told Jan 09 with a major announcement due in october....so guys any info pls reply.... -Cisco101-

Comment 3/31/08:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = No
Job Title = No
IBM Division = No
Message = Heads up in Eastern Europe: http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Technology/10201254.html -BlueBlows-

Comment 3/12/08:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = n/aJob
Title = Ireland
IBM Division = SERVER
Message = Well boys and girls; 2 co-workers fired in the space of a few days.One appealed and was re-instated.Is this all falling in with ( lean ) we see the damage it has done in the USA and as you know this has now been introducted into server in dublin,so how long have we left!? It looks like they will get rid of the weak and layoff the rest. If any of you guys have contact with our fallen friend tell HIM/HER to appeal immediatly even if nothing happens at least fight. 8 years down the drain!and for what! well done IBM! -Cisco101-

Comment 1/26/08:
Country = any
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = any
IBM Division = any
Message = Any thought on organizing a virtual strike on the web to protest the 15% base pay cut to USA IBMers on the IBM islands by avatars? The virtual strike seemed to work with the IBM Italy situation so maybe it might be the rub here too! -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: Do you know how many IBMers use Second Life, here in the States? How popular is it, among USA IBMers?

Comment 1/26/08:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA Local 1701
Job Title = I/T Specialist
IBM Division = 07
Message = I remember hearing in the USA this: "... Ireland is a growing economy, business friendly, and is attracting big business due to a vibrant and skilled workforce..." . So IBM goes over and expands it's Irish operations which makes good business sense. It ultimately is like IBM uses/used Ireland as an interim place to start growing in the global economy until the BRIC's were ready to be infiltrated. Now that the BRIC's are "ready" then they are totally sold on India, China, Brazil, Russia, and now Vietnam. So where does that put Ireland now? So Ireland gets treated quite similar to the USA. Like in the USA now IBM is outsourcing IBM Ireland. Shame on IBM. Not good business sense IBM. Also it makes all your investment in Ireland a real sham.. -Anonymous-

Comment 1/23/08:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = CEP 525G
Job Title = Exec Asst
IBM Division = Don't work for IBM
Message = I wish you luck in your endeavours. Mismanagement of IBM has cost all of us, including former users of OS/2 like myself a lot of money and effort. Best wishes from Canada -Anonymous-

Comment 1/23/08:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = n/a
Job Title = 3rd level network
IBM Division = NSD
Message = Whilst I sympathise with some of those that are upset about the move from NSD into AT&T , I for one cannot wait. I have been with IBM 5 years from a previous TUPE into IBM, and IBM has been the worst large corporate I have ever worked for. If you have been with IBM many years, I understand the concern, as you are on far better packages than I and other younger members of staff. However the detail that I have seen from AT&T has convinced me that its the best move for me, and ta ta IBM. Good luck to all those affected, but in time I think like others I know, IBM is not the be all and end all, and there are better opportunities to be had elsewhere. -ANON UK-

Comment 1/17/08:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = ireland
Job Title = ireland
IBM Division = server
Message = YAWN! I say yawn because when I actually YAWN you just dont get it! GUYS give it up! the end is nearly here! who sent this comment in? is it Bartricia? we all want to know! -cisco101-
WE ARE THE ROOTS OF THE TREE. LOSE THE ROOTS YOU LOSE THE TREE. WHICH IS NOT A GOOD THING FOR A TREE THAT HAS A LOT OF BRANCHS REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD. SO START STANDING UP AND GET WHAT YOU DESERVE OUT OF A MULTI BULLION DOLLAR COMPANY. WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY A COMPANY EMPLOYS AND LAY OFFS OF STAFF IN THE BASEMENT. IT'S LIKE THIS: IF ONE IS BEING PUSHED OUT OR TREATED BADLY BY THE COMPANY, THE REST OF US LAY DOWN TOOLS AND PROTECT THAT WORKER. WE ARE A FAMILY AND WE SHOULD PROTECT OUR FAMILY. IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS CALLED INTO THE OFFICE AND THREATENED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO THE FAMILY AND THE FAMILY WILL FIGHT AS ONE. UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL. ITS UP TO US -Anonymous-

Comment 1/13/08: Argentine IBM retired link: send to you our link: http://www.retiradosibm.com.ar Regards, -Ruben-
Alliance reply: Gracias Rueben. Fijaremos su eslabón aquí en este comenta la sección; así como en nuestras páginas Web Internacionales. Ellos son: http: // www.allianceibm.org/iwisindex.htm y
http: // www.allianceibm.org/unions.htm.
Por favor envíe su correo electrónico directamente a iwisweb@endicottalliance.org
En Solidaridad,
Almiar Blanco
Alliance@IBM
CWA 1701 Local
www.allianceibm.org

Comment 1/9/07:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = NO
Job Title = Support Spec.
IBM Division = ITD/NSD Canada
Message = IBM US NSD employees will be joining AT&T on Feb1, does anyone know about a Canadian move? -Future AT&T employee-

Comment 1/9/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = no
Job Title = manufacturing operative
IBM Division = ireland
Message = Who are we?. Do the big boys & girls know who we are?. Do we know who we are?
This is what a company owner wants:
A product that will sell and make them big bucks. They need people do design the product. They need companies willing to buy the product. They need people to sell the product.
THEY NEED PEOPLE TO BUILD THE PRODUCT. US.
THE BASEMENT WORKERS WHO ARE NOT RECOGNISED.
THE DESIGNER GETS RECOGNITION.
THE SALES PEOPLE GET RECOGNITION.
THE BOSS'S GET FAT WALLETS. WE GET LAID OFF.
WE GET ALL THE EXTRA HOURS AND SACRAFICE TIME AT HOME WITH THE FAMILY.
ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS. WE DO NOT GET A BONUS.
WE DO NOT GET A RISE. WE ARE NOT RECOGNISED.
YES THE MANAGERS MAY SEND OUT A THANK YOU NOTE TO EVERY ONE: BUT WE ARE NOT INDIVIDUALLY RECOGNISED BY THE BOSS'S. WE PRODUCE THE PRODUCT THAT THEY ARE SELLING. IF WE MAKE A BALLS UP OF THE PRODUCT NO ONE GETS ANYTHING. THE BOSS, THE DESIGNERS, THE SALES TEAMS AT THE END OF THE DAY RELY ON US THE BASEMENT WORKERS TO BUILD THE PRODUCT TO 100% SPEC IN ORDER TO GET PAID. AFTER THE COMPANY HAS PAID ITS OVERHEADS IT STILL HAS A VERY LARGE PROFIT. A PROFIT THAT COULD BE USED TO GIVE US A DECENT WAGE. REMEBER NO ONE WANTS TO BUY A PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT WORK. SO THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION AT THE BEGINNING OF ALL THIS IS:
WE ARE THE ROOTS OF THE TREE. LOSE THE ROOTS YOU LOSE THE TREE. WHICH IS NOT A GOOD THING FOR A TREE THAT HAS A LOT OF BRANCHS REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD. SO START STANDING UP AND GET WHAT YOU DESERVE OUT OF A MULTI BULLION DOLLAR COMPANY. WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY A COMPANY EMPLOYS AND LAY OFFS OF STAFF IN THE BASEMENT. IT'S LIKE THIS: IF ONE IS BEING PUSHED OUT OR TREATED BADLY BY THE COMPANY, THE REST OF US LAY DOWN TOOLS AND PROTECT THAT WORKER. WE ARE A FAMILY AND WE SHOULD PROTECT OUR FAMILY. IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS CALLED INTO THE OFFICE AND THREATENED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO TO THE FAMILY AND THE FAMILY WILL FIGHT AS ONE. UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL. ITS UP TO US. -Anonymous-

Comment 1/5/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = yes
Job Title = eol
IBM Division = server
Message = Hi All, I find these last few comments very interesting as they seem to coming from manufacturing. But I will state on the record that IBM did have a very bad Quarter from a manufacturing point of view in Dublin. Software continues to expand and get better but from an I/P and Z point of view its not looking too great.What do you people expect? To get a memo saying sales in server are down? Come on now of course not. We will always get the same B.S about how great the quarter was. Do people really think that the USA will be the only people affected by whats going on? We need to stand firm with our brothers & sisters in the USA. Lets join a union and at least give people more time. Lets put up a fight. I can see layoffs in the forseable future and Ijust hope everyone is ready when the worst happens. P.S in reference to Cicso: people are not afraid to stand up, people just dont care anymore, they have given up the fight. -Sandra-

Comment 1/3/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = yes
Job Title = slave
IBM Division = server
Message = The fourth quarter is the worst Ihave seen it in 5 years. We finish our orders 4 days before the end of year. My manager said it was the best so far , with 500 units shipped of main frame servers. But out of that 500, at least 157 were returned. Its time to wake up and give us a chance of a better future by reducing its staff levels .We want to go; but I'm not going until I have a pocket full of cash. joe. -sony-

Comment 1/2/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = eire
Job Title = hawwwwwwwy
IBM Division = server
Message = IBM is a disgrace....more people here need to stand and speak up instead of the usual suspects. Guys, believe what you want to believe but server is in deep trouble. Expect serious things to go down in first 6 months of this year.....Guys, its nearly game over! Q4 was the worst Q4 I have seen in 5 or 6 years...IBM R.I.P ..........anyone with any info please reply. We need to know what's going on in this shell of a company, CU at the U.E.L ( unemployment line) peace out...cisco -Cisco101-

Comment 12/28/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = ireland
Job Title = server
IBM Division = server
Message = yep 100% spot on.this place is gone gone gone the ring of fire the ring of fire. bring on 2008 new job no more ibm heh heh -Cisco101-

Comment 12/27/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = server
Job Title = engineer dept.
IBM Division = server
Message = Hi guys, this is an unreal time in dublin...warehouse full with cancel's and no orders, HE is dead and I would say the end is here...no way it can continue.........IBM is a joke....well guys happy new year as it may be the last in IBM, ANYONE AGREE -Anonymous-

Comment 11/21/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA Local 1701
Job Title = Sr. I/T Specialist
IBM Division = does it really matter? It keeps changes like the weather.
Message = "Alliance reply: The following is the IBM policy on Unions" : But does this apply in the USA? I don't think so at all! IBM management in the USA continually breaks USA labor laws pertaining to organizing workers. Only in Europe where there are existing trade unions and work counsels does this apply. The freedom of associating is a crock of crap and IBM for saying so, knows it! This is their political wordspeak. Ask McDonald or Palmisano about the Alliance and see if you get an honest response. Sad, but true. -Anonymous-

Comment 11/1/07:
Country = Ireland/Uk
Union Affiliate = USA
Job Title = SERVER
IBM Division = SERVER
Message = Re:cisco..You are 50% right. IBM does not stop people from joining a union; however as per your comments..IBM states it does not recognise unions and we would be wasting our time and money by joining one in Ireland...we need to just suck it up a bit longer.......... dave
Alliance reply: The following is the IBM policy on Unions:
Freedom of association
IBM will respect the legal rights of its employees to join or to refrain from joining worker organizations, including labor organizations or trade unions. IBM complies with legal requirements worldwide regarding employee and third-party involvement. IBM respects the rights of employees to organize, and makes managers at all levels aware of those rights. The company's long-standing belief is that the interests of IBM and its employees are best served through a favorable, collaborative work environment with direct communication between employees and management. IBM endeavors to establish such favorable employment conditions, to promote positive relationships between employees and managers, to facilitate employee communications, and to support employee development.

Comment 10/25/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA Local 1701
Job Title = Sr. I/T Specialist
IBM Division = I think 1K (it'll invariably change with the next reorg..
Message = Cisco- keep fighting IBM! Don't give up. A case in point is what IBMers in Italy have done with the virtual strike. I'll support whatever action the IBMers in Ireland want to take. We all have to stand united since we know how united IBM is as a global empire that is now against us. -sby_willie-

Comment 10/18/07:
Country = Canada
Union Affiliate = I only wish I were
Job Title = PPQA Process Owner
IBM Division = AMS
Message = I was forcefully retired in June 2005. I was given health care benefits as part of the severance package but found out as of Sept 1, 2005 that something was wrong when I submitted my presciption receipts. At the time, the employee services help desk was in Alberta. Some time between September and the new year, the help desk was offshored to Costa Rica. In total frustration I contacted the insurance provider and found out that when retired, the individual (probably the PDM) entered two conflicting codes into the HR system: one that indicated I was retired, and one that indicated I was terminated. The insurance provider had created a health care account for me, but because their system codes indicated I was terminated, they couldn't pay any bills. When in March 2006, I still had not been able to sort this out I sent an email to the IBM employee services help desk and copied the IBM contact at Sun Life and threatened legal action. The Sun Life employee phoned IBM Canada and essentially told them what was going on. According to the HR employee at IBM Canada,"Costa Rica was not talking to IBM Canada". At the same time, my dearly beloved husband died of bone cancer. In short, my happy retirement from IBM has been a complete nightmare. Now, over two years later, because the problem wasn't sorted out on their system until the end of March 2006, I expect that due to the same error, IBM did not issue the correct tax forms to me. In fact, I have never yet received a T4A form from IBM but Revenue Canada (equiv to the IRS) certainly has and now the refund I received in 2006 has to be paid back. I had no idea I was missing any tax forms. I was not trying to hide anything from the tax man, I gave them everything I had received at the time. This is now costing me dearly. Is there no justice for employees who have been treated so poorly? -Anonymous-

Comment 10/17/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = CWA Local 1701
Job Title = training
IBM Division = server group
Message = We have listened and you guys are right its just we see whats going on in the U.S.A and we feel for you guys but in dublin 99.999% of staff want IBM to do what we all know they are gonna do and go to asia...we have given up the fight -cisco-

Comment 10/11/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA Local 1701
Job Title = Sr. I/T Specialist
IBM Division = 1K
Message = IBM Italia: I for one am behind you completely and in solidarity! IBM is not showing good faith to you! Give IBM hell until they wise up. -sby_willie-

Comment 10/09/07: I have heard from management that transition to AT&T will be done by January, but I wouldn't place bets the way communication around this has gone. -ibm canada-

Comment 10/07/07: About 1500 will be moved from IBM to AT&T in Europe. -IBM-Europe-

Comment 10/05/07:
Country = Great Britain
Union Affiliate = None
Job Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = GTS
Message = GTS management are unofficially advising people of a large number of packages in the UK expected early 2008, putting names forward of those interested in voluntary redundancy. -Count me out-

Comment 10/05/07:
Country = Eire
Union Affiliate = na
Job Title = na
IBM Division = na
Message = RIGHT TO FORM AND JOIN UNIONS in Ireland
Ireland’s Constitution, Article 40.6.1(iii), guarantees the “right of citizens to form” unions and associations. Irish law does not limit with the number, form, or the type of possible unions; unions have a right to control their internal affairs without government interference. Ireland’s employment laws apply equally to both nationals and legally resident non-nationals. Thus, there are no bars for legal residents to participate in any aspect of union affairs. -Irish union yes-

Comment 10/05/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = none
Job Title = worried
IBM Division = isc
Message = listen alliance, we were always told since that day we started in this company that we were not allowed to join a union. in fact we were threatened with the sack if they found we were in a union. now all this news is appearing about outsourcing, can you please advise what if anything can we do, thanks. -worried-
Alliance reply: Just because IBM told you not to join a union doesn't mean you can't. You should contact an Ireland union immediately and tell them what IBM has said. What IBM is saying might be against Irish labor law. Your best protection is all of you getting together and organizing.

Comment 10/03/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = ireland
Job Title = ireland
IBM Division = server
Message = well we see that the big blue has signed a deal with at&t in relation to outsourcing...from ireland we just dont care anymore about this company as they show a blatent disregard for all its employees ...good luck to ibm in india -ted d'egatta-

Comment 09/18/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = n
Job Title = TECH.Lead
IBM Division = ISG
Message = Guys, No one knows whats going on but things not looking too good. I heard I.D.A are working hard to try and save jobs in IBM, Dublin but does'nt look too good, looks like at end is coming -S.Mc-

Comment 09/11/07: Ibm , N'est plus cette belle compagnie..C'est fini..A bromont, les gens sont fatigués, il n'y a plus rien de drole.. Nous, ils engagent des temporaires, ca coute moins cher..Pis les permanents...on a plus rien ,a part le stress.. -Anonyme-

Comment 09/11/07:
Country = Wales
Union Affiliate = na
Job Title = na
IBM Division = na
Message = VIRGIN MEDIA CENTRE JOBS THREAT Up to 64 jobs at a Swansea call centre are claimed to have been axed. The workers at Virgin Media's Matrix Court offices on Swansea Enterprise Park are said to have been given 30 days' notice to be laid off with more to follow.
Virgin Media has said the jobs are related to an area of work carried out for it by IBM
IBM has confirmed some jobs are now surplus to requirements, but refused to confirm numbers.
One upset employee spoke of the perceived "awful way staff have been treated here at Virgin Media".
The employee added: "Today, most of the management have also been given notice . . . no valid reason has been given for the staff cutbacks but we have been told not to repeat this to anyone outside of the company which seems quite strange to all of us."
A spokeswoman for Virgin Media said: "It is a decision IBM has made. They are a separate company."
A spokesman for IBM said: "In relation to the IBM action, we are constantly rebalancing our workforce in support of the ongoing needs of our business and those of our clients. "This is quite a normal process of balancing resources. "There are a number of individuals who have been issued with statements saying that the roles that they currently undertake are no longer required and now we are going to be entering into a period of consultation with those employees."
He declined to confirm the number of redundancies at 64, but said:"The number I have got is much less than that. We don't want to talk in specifics."
Last October the call centre in Swansea Enterprise Park was seeking an additional 200 employees.
It came as ntl, Telewest and Virgin Mobile introduced what was hailed as a "ground-breaking new package" which promised to cut household bills by up to £400 a year. -Anon-

Comment 09/10/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = dave
Job Title = production planner
IBM Division = server
Message = Hi Guys, we had a meeting today. IBM expects to move 95% of low end into high end z series positions before q4. Our manager has stated no layoffs, but can we believe him? Can anyone shed any light on whats going on! please. Nice one! -Concerned-

Comment 09/01/07:
Country = iRELAND
Union Affiliate = IRELAND
Job Title = Q.E
IBM Division = Server Group
Message = just with reference to what Joe stated below. He is 100% correct and I dont think anyone in the Dublin plant would disagree that. And its the people sitting around getting rewarded not the few people that do the work.I have to say this situation has been going on for i would say nearly 2 years.and IBM can pull all the stunts they want but we will not leave this company and when we finally do it will be via redunancy ,anyone who thinks IBM cares and will not layoff staff in the next 6 to 8 months needs a reality check and I believe one is coming sooner than later....cheers, -Dec T.-

Comment 08/31/07:
Country = IRELAND
Union Affiliate = YES
Job Title = bored ibm employee
IBM Division = Server Group
Message = In the IBM plant in Dublin 15, there is no work to be done. As many as half the staff sit around all day playing on the internet. At the end of last quarter which was not busy at all, most of the systems in all
areas were canceled before they shipped. The lean project is on the second step on the ladder. This means who can ibm cut from the teams without cutting production. Since their aim for the last two years are to get rid of the permanent staff , low pbc and pay rises and to fill the positions with contract workers or dont fill the positions at all. Most of the staff are holding on and digging in against ibm actions.We are not holding on for our jobs; we are holding on for redundancy.The information that the team lead has given on the 08/31/07...how can I believe you! You are only a Team lead and how would you know this information. When the jobs cuts do come it will be the last time I work for ibm. -JOE-

Comment 08/31/07:
Country = Ireland
Union Affiliate = Server Group
Job Title = Team leader
IBM Division = Server Group
Message = Guys, in relation to what has been said before. There are no layoffs planned for manufacturing in dublin so all the rumours are untrue! I just want to say that maybe IBM will decide to change things in the latter part of 2008.I welcome anyone with other information to speak up! thanks guys -Anonymous-

Comment 08/22/07:
Country = eire
Union Affiliate = -
Job Title = engineering
IBM Division = server group
Message = Hi, just a note, no layoffs in Dublin. All we hear is rumour. As usual no one knows what happening, in relation to job losses. We fear this could occur in the next 6 to 8 months when Low end P finally goes to china. -Anonymous-

Comment 08/21/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = build
Job Title = leader
IBM Division = server
Message = hi, guys, just heard 450 layoffs planned for dubin plant by end of october this year..any info on this -Cisco-

Comment 08/10/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = All
Job Title = Concerned IBMer
IBM Division = Prefer to stay anonymous
Message = I highly encourage members to get this book -- not only did I find it a great read, but it has a chapter on the brutality of layoffs at IBM, advocating the need for different, more humane, approaches to leadership within the company: http://www.trafford.com/06-1721 -Prefer to stay anonymous-

Comment 08/08/07:
Country = ireland
Union Affiliate = sksk
Job Title = kdkdk
IBM Division = server
Message = in reply to peter..ibm is not taking xerox staff...the work from xerox is going over seas -cisco-

Comment 08/02/07:
Country = UK
Union Affiliate = n/aJob
Title = IT Specialist
IBM Division = IGS
Message = to peter, re Xerox employees... http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/02/ibm_xerox_redundancies/ - stop bailing out the water guys, she's a sinking ship -outta here-

Comment 07/06/07:
Country = uk
Union Affiliate = n/a
Job Title = IT
IBM Division = uk
Message = FOLKS, In ireland 900 jobs are to be created by ibm. Xerox to switch half of staff to IBM .They are a call centre and sales. If so many are been switch from one company to another that someone is going to get fired. the nose. -peter-

Comment 07/02/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = CWA
Job Title = IT Admin
IBM Division = SWG
Message = To Anonymous: You say you have folks interested. You say you need to know how the union is going to help you. Your interest should include a commitment to make an effort to organize others. The union can help you when you are willing to help others understand that a contract can only be had if the union has a seat at the bargaining table. That won't happen until the employees show a unity and prove to IBM that they will not stand by and let IBM take their jobs, their livelihoods, and their way of life and send it to China , India, Brasil, the Ukraine, etc. That takes effort on the part of the employees. Alliance@IBM has been here since 1999; making contacts and sending out fliers , information, organzing techniques, and setting up conference calls and meetings with members and prospective members. Everytime someone asks the question that you have asked; some of us members roll our eyes--no disrespect intended--because we see that you don't understand one basic premise of a union: The union is YOU. The effort to organize IBM employees has to come from the employees. That's why I joined Alliance@IBM in 1999. I wanted to tell everyone in IBM that I knew, that we have an alternative to accepting what IBM does to us. The biggest misunderstanding of all is that people think the union will walk in the IBM location, announce to the employees that they are there and that they can go back to work as union members; all protected from the tactics of IBM management. Nothing could be further from reality than that. We have to WORK for it. Work for it means talking, meeting, emailing, and otherwise communicating with co-workers who agree that a union is the right thing for IBMers. As a member I assumed that other members were doing what I was doing... Organizing! However, it seems the discussion stage has lasted longer than it should have. If you don't know the answers, you are doing the right thing by visiting this web site. If you don't find the answers here, you need to contact the Alliance@IBM officers or staff. Once you get the answers you seek, you then need to act one way or the other. IBM used to have a policy of "Lead, follow, or get out of the way". That policy always seemed harsh to me.. but I do see a way to apply that to organizing a union in IBM. We must take some steps toward leadership and do something. These discussions are great; but soon if we don't act collectively, there will be no strength among us to act at all. I don't mean to be harsh here; just matter of fact. IBM plays hardball. The only way we stay in the game is to do the same. That starts with collective effort . To paraphrase "The Shawshank Redemption" movie line: "Get busy organizing or get busy losing your job". -Alliance member-

Comment 0701/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = member alliance@ibm
Job Title = Senior I/T Architect
IBM Division = IGS
Message = Union: I think this basically sums up how some of us feel about unions. This is probably why there aren't more folks signing up. We're looking for concrete examples of how a union can help us. I have a few friends who were dues paying members of the union over at at&t. (They were the ibm group that went to at&t when the network was sold). Their jobs were off-shored and the union was not able to do anything to stop it, or negotiate a better settlement for them. This is why we're asking questions now. Please don't take it the wrong way, you've got folks interested. Now, if we can see concrete examples of how the union has helped others, we'd have more folks signing on the dotted line. -Anonymous-
Alliance reply: We have put concrete examples of union contracts and how a union can help IBM employees through a union contract on the web site. We have also sent out thousand of flyers on this very same issue. The contracts have been on our web site a long time. Everyone needs to explore our web site more and not just the comments sections. In regard to the AT&T situation; CWA negotiated the RETURN of many jobs. Try doing that in IBM WITHOUT a union.
How much longer are employees going to debate the issue of whether or not a union and a contract is a good idea and helpful to employees? We have put the information out there for all to see. If you don't act and sign up the situation stays the same. It really is a simple proposition.

Comment 06/29/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = NoneJob
Title = Senior IT Architect
IBM Division = IGS
Message = I agree with WAITING-FOR-THE-AXE. I fail to see what good this meeting will accomplish. Since LEAN is only affecting North america folks, why wasn't this meeting held in the US or Canada? There are
plenty of nice vacation spots in the US and Canada. Of course, the only way offshoring will stop is if you get an agreement with the countries that are supplying the services, and that is not going to happen. It's all about corporate GREED people, and GREED it prevalent in everyplace in the world. -Anonymous- Alliance reply: LEAN is not only affecting US employees. Other countries are affected as well. The meeting as we have said before is held in Paris because it was organized and paid for by 2 French Unions and almost all of the unions are from Europe. This comment continues in a negative path that nothing can be done. The meeting just finished and our reports arent even out yet; and we have naysayers..

Comment 06/28/07: I am an IBMer, not line managment but also not American (I am in Australia). I monitor your site since it helps me to know what is going on in the broader company. We face the same threat here. My question is - what can the union do? This is an international issue, and the union appears only to operate in the US. We know IBM is playing hardball with employees in some countries. We also know the market is playing hardball with IBM. What is the real solution? -Fingerbun-
Alliance Reply: You are correct. Alliance@IBM is based in the US and does not operate in Australia; However, there are two unions in your country that may be able to answer your questions.
Please go to our "IBM Unions Worldwide" link: http://www.allianceibm.org/unions.htm.
There are two unions listed for Australia. If you contact them, please mention that you received their link from Alliance@IBM. We are also going to post your comments on our International Comments section, and hope you will continue to post there as well. We do not publish anyone's email or name unless they give us permission.

Comment 06/26/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = member alliance@ibm
Job Title = Senior I/T Architect
IBM Division = IGS
Message = I will be interested to see what happens at this meeting. I'm a little confused as to what can possibly be accomplished by talking about 'lean'. Will it be a gripe session? Or will our european counterparts discuss how they will handle LEAN when it arrives on their shore? -waiting for the ax-

Comment 06/17/07:
Country = USA
Union Affiliate = nope
Job Title = Tech Services Prof
IBM Division = 07
Message = So at this Paris meeting, what are you hoping the end goal is? What do you hope to accomplish? I'm sure everyone will agree on things, but what will get done?-none-
Alliance reply: We are hoping for more cooperation and action among the worldwide Unions. What will get done? We will tell you when the meeting is over. By the way you stated as union affiliation "nope". I take it you haven't joined the Alliance? What are you waiting for--your last day at IBM?

IBM Global Union Alliance © Copyright 2013

IBM Global Union Alliance
© Copyright 2013