Job
Cut Status!
This
comments section is for the posting of specific information of Job cuts,
Resource Actions and Firings.
Our
other comments sections & archives: See "Your Comments"
on the left menu
Information
needed:
What
is Your location? We need to know.
How
many job cuts at your location.
What
locations are cutting jobs.
Due
to SPAM, we have instituted a "verify"
form.
Before sending your message, you must type in the letters and numbers that
appear to the right of the "verify"
box. Please let us know if you have any concerns: email
the webmaster.
We reserve the right to edit, omit, or not post any comments we receive.
This Comments section was pruned 11/28/2008.
See this archived comments
section
Join The Alliance! (credit card sign-up form)
Join The Alliance!
(check or money order form & donations)
To readers of the Alliance comment sections:
Many of you read and participate in the comment sections and find them a valuable
resource for what is going on inside IBM. But in order to keep this resource
we need growth in our dues paying membership.
Please click the links above
and join the Alliance.
Your only source for the real news inside IBM.
From
Alliance@IBM: We have been receiving comments or posts to our comments
sections with no messages in the message field, other than the words "test",
"na", "none", and "dd". These
comment sections (boards, forums) are not automatically updated. The
comments are reviewed by our staff; prior to being posted. Any effort by visitors
to get comments posted, such as those described, are a waste of time. These
sections of the Alliance@IBM web site are for the use of members and IBM employees
who want to discuss their concerns regarding IBM. If you have any questions
that you do not want posted as a comment, please write them to our Contact
Us section. They will be treated as completely confidential.
Comment
12/01/08:
While I have no specific insider information relative to BTV,
EFK or other IBM mfg. facilities, it is safe to say that the semiconductor industry
as a whole has too much capacity. Increases in wafer size (assuming they occur
as they have in the past) and ongoing moves to send manufacturing abroad (particularly
for the fabless companies) mean less for US semi plants to do. Keeping extra
facilities open may not make business sense unless additional work is secured.
In the current economic climate, is this likely? -Think-
Comment
12/01/08:
Where would you get the idea that IBM has planned for BTV to go
down the tubes? Why would a large corporation purposely sabotage one of its
sites? It doesn't make any sense. EFK business I'm sure is down as well. It's
the economy pure and simple. Economy down-people hold off on electronics purchases-electronics
related businesses go into a slow down. Economy picks back up-people buy again-business
picks up. Pretty simple. Why would IBM "plan" to have only 200 (or
whatever ridiculous number you want to believe) wafers starts when the site
has fixed costs which need a certain number of wafer starts to overcome? Labor
is only one of the many fixed costs, and you can only cut it so much. BTV, EFK
and IBM have to ride out the low we are currently in just like lows we've experienced
in the past. I've never understood everyone's seeming need to panic.
-AnotherBTVer-
Comment
11/30/08:
BTV layoffs coming this week. Tuesday? 800 to 1000 BEOL main target
-Very concerned-
Comment
11/30/08:
Open Letter to Sam Palmisano: Sam, as you close the 2008 year receiving your
$10 million annual salary on top of the millions of dollars in stock options
and bonuses you will receive, I want you to think about all the employees you
have been screwing by laying them off, cutting their pay, sending their jobs
overseas, ruining their holidays, their families, their careers, and their lives.
You are a closed minded asshole. Now I know the real Ebenezer Scrooge.. Sam
Palmisano. I hope you rot in hell. You are on my bad list. -Santa
Claus-
Comment
11/30/08: Alliance
Webmaster Comment:
The topic concerning the president-elect, the president, and stem cell, etc.
discussion has been moved to the General Visitor
Comments section. Please discontinue
posting those type of comments here. This comments section is for the posting
of specific information of Job cuts, Resource Actions and Firings, and the discussion
thereof.
Comment
11/29/08:
Specific wafer start numbers should not be posted here. Yes, BTV is operating
at a fraction of capacity, but specific numbers (capacity and/or loading) are
probably sensitive. -Nuther BTV'er-
Comment
11/28/08:
What about the % of lost jobs and the % of work visas allowed
into the US? What about the salary for "that work" everyone claims
no one wants to do and the real truth? Look at the jobs available across the
country and the salary at $7.00 per hour. We the people need to join together
to attempt to stand up for ourselves. A union is one way to do that, because
right now a job in the US in IBM that paid $15 per hour in 1978 now pays $9.50.
We are upset about our higher wage jobs, the people on wages at the bottom are
really hurting. No elected official is going to help us. Our only hope is to
join and stand as a group. -Young Lady-
Comment
11/28/08:
"Would you believe my priest told me he heard BTV will
have a major RA in February, about 1200 people. We were talking about meeting
the needs of families given the economy ... fyi, BTV has also put the breaks
on mask builds unless you have upper mgmt approval and wafer starts are now
only 200 wafers a day. All of this in preparation, no doubt, to a reduced workforce.
-VT-"
I've heard this news swirling around BTV too. This place is dead
right now. No work and everyone is waiting for the shoe to drop. For a site
that can handle 1000 wafer starts per day easily we are only 20% of our capacity.
The IBM corporation has really been planning this for years. Ever since the
new fab was built in Fishkill the writing has been on the wall for BTV. Did
you ask the Priest to say a prayer for us? -BTVer-
Comment
11/28/08:
Not that it is much of a difference, but where are people getting
that BTV has 200 Wafer starts a day? The figures I have been getting from a
Lead in PC says we have been between 300-400 a day, including 340 was the figure
we had on Thanksgiving. I definitely know it seems like there are -50 wafer
starts online as it is slooooow. -BTVNightOwl-
Comment
11/28/08:
"IBM does not care about its workers. We are all on a
short list"
So true. Thye prove this every passing day. Unless, you are one of Sam's
cronies: then you are cared for by IBM lavishly and immune from any resource
action. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/28/08:
IBM does not care about its workers. We are all on a short list.
-j-
Comment
11/27/08:
Regarding the creation of high tech (white collar) jobs in the
US using the influence of the executive and legislative branches of the US government:
Say for example, under the guise of homeland security, a law was passed to require
that all US citizen's personal, financial and health records were to remain
onshore in US facilities and access to these records was to be maintained with
a higher level of security than the law now proscribes (e.g., US citizen health
records databases are to be treated with the same security as veterans health
records in the VA system). Given such a legal requirement I suspect that the
creation and preservation of US IT jobs would be dramatic and significant. Come
to think of it, why don't we have such a requirement? Perhaps if there was a
strong union of IT professionals we could bring something like this up for real
consideration. Just wondering... -married_to_ibm_but_a_divorce_is_pending-
Comment
11/27/08:
-Captain WTF-Congrats, you have just defined the meaning I tried
to show with off shoring and how management truly sees it, not as some warped
version of Dr. Evil that people dumb down to believe. If more events like what
happened on Friday occur, then some might see the locale as a disadvantage and
unstable as well...that does effect the tax advantage, but don't think that
will do it all. What will really change if this country ever gets smart enough
to do a flat/fair tax it would do more to stop offshoring than anything else
and polliticans truly cannot stop and the regulations or dumbfounded regulatory
ideals only increase the problems a 1,000 fold. One of the main reasons for
increasing is a 2007 bill that Pelosi did and that increases workers rights
supposedly but it brings about an increase on the employer to pay more into
FICA, SS and the general State tax base on employees and really did nothing
but increase the off shoring at IBM and other related. Look at Ireland and other
countries that have adopted a fair/flat tax and notice the incredible outsourcing
and establishment of corporate bases there that companies have established.
Exxon, Cisco and MANY others have moved their bases there while still maintaining
a "National" office here that moves the majority of funds to those
locales and IBM is soon to follow. To those who always promote the proletariat
line of "take from the rich", well good jobs are not created by a
worker making $30K a year, they are made by those investing. When more government
jobs are created....great - but WE ALL PAY FOR THEM. This is nothing more than
what you learn the first month of a MBA when you truly learn the costs of a
tax base and operations....all of the senior Tiers at IBM know this and you
have to realize that. A union would be great, but too many people see what has
happened when power goes to the head of others (AFL-CIO/Teamsters/UAW) in which
they have destroyed their own jobs when the cost of each auto is currently $
2,950 for health benefits alone to cover a union agreement. Management fears
that and you have to work with them to help the realization of it...want more
proof? The unions in the last election pushed one candidate thinking he would
proffer a bailout and save their jobs, but that's not going to happen. IBM does
need some help in this to really influence direction of the company or I see
the entire US base to be only 15% before 2010 and I am not kidding.
-UC'd-
Comment
11/27/08:
Would you believe my priest told me he heard BTV will have a major
RA in February, about 1200 people. We were talking about meeting the needs of
families given the economy ... fyi, BTV has also put the breaks on mask builds
unless you have upper mgmt approval and wafer starts are now only 200 wafers
a day. All of this in preparation, no doubt, to a reduced workforce.
-VT-
Comment
11/26/08:
"For example, if the president of the United States says
we’re not going to allow stem cell research and enforces it, but the prime
minister of Singapore says they welcome it, then the stem cell related jobs
will go to Singapore."
Uhh, the government hasn't outlawed stem cell research. It just won't fund it.
I think all you people that don't want IBM jobs to be offshored
are just racist. What would Obama think of all you people not being good citizens
of the world and spreading the wealth. -Anonymouse-
Alliance Reply: Why do you think anti-offshoring is racist? Sure, there are
plenty of racists in America; but offshoring is about losing jobs and the greed
of corporations to get cheaper labor costs and relaxed or non-existent environmental/working
condition standards. If countries like China, India, Brazil, Russia, and Vietnam
bothered to analyze US company motives, they would find no patriotism nor loyalty
to their country, coming from companies like IBM. IBM is not 'spreading the
wealth' to other countries; they are stealing it from those countries just like
they did from the US. If you doubt that; just take a look at the pollution being
generated by Corporations in India and China, and soon Vietnam. Technology companies,
in particular, are dumping their high tech trash in these countries because
there are 'opportunities' for chinese, vietnamese, or indian trash collectors
to make money; while they inhale and absorb all the toxic materials and chemicals
from the burning and disassembly of computers, printers, etc. without any concern
whatsoever. The corporation's profits are poisoned profits.
Comment
11/25/08:
Obama thinks his plan will increases but it won't. It will reduce
this countries econemy. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/25/08:
Hi Anonymous-(11/24/08) and others who have this info: I want
to post under http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople
and explain
the issue by using IBM as a company which is causing thousands and thousands
of jobs to be lost in U.S.A. Can someone summarize the depth of this issue by
using the numbers (approximate numbers or % will be OK). Please post it here.
I will use it not only to post on the above Obama site but write to my representatives
and newspapers. -WantsToAct-
Comment
11/25/08:
To -A Concerned IBM'er- President - elect Obama would
LOVE to create professional jobs. As would President Bush. It is just that they
cannot as they do not OWN a company to do so with. Other then professional jobs
within the Federal Government that would require expanding the Federal Government
there is little a President or a Congress can do. Increasing Federal spending
creates employment only as long as the spending continues. A short term fix
at best. As I have said before , Strong Companies along with Strong Unions will
save the American Economy without destroying the workers lives. The strong Unions
will force a strong company to innovate and win against their competition rather
then take away from employees to make their financial goals. Like IBM used to
do. -Exodus2007-
Alliance Reply: You make some excellent points; not the least of which is that
the employees must form and build the union and stand up collectively; thereby
showing their strength. This is the only way to affect real change within a
company. You've said in previous posts that "The
one thing you cannot wait for is anyone else to come to your rescue and save
your job." Precisely. That's why we continue to tell our
visitors to these boards; that THEY are the union, if they want it. No union
bosses, organizers or political party activists will come into the company and
do it for you. We still receive posts from people who scream in capital letters,
"It's up to the employees to organize, blah, blah,
blah. I've heard the same claptrap from you Alliance people over and over.....".
These are people who refuse to believe in unions as a method of leveling the
playing field or at least trying to. Globalism is here to stay. Corporate Executive
control will never be relinquished or compromised without a struggle. Count
on it. If anyone as a worker is not willing to fight for their right to a contract;
then they need to silence their complaints. IBM used
to foist a motto on their 'bulletin boards" within their manufacturing
plant in Endicott. It read: "Lead, Follow, or Get
out of the way". This motto applies to unions and employees discussion
of unions. Another
popular 'saying' was posted on their "bulliten boards". It read: "Some
people make things happen; Some watch what happens; and some wonder what happened."
This also applies.
Comment
11/24/08:
We Just need to STOP outsourcing of IBM Jobs to China, Brazil
and India. IBM CEO's and Management does not take care, they just backstab us
when we worked for them for 30 to 40 years and one fine day they throw us out.
Alliance Team and to all others here Please fill up the form under this url
explaining outsource and offshore problem hope Mr.Obama will do something to
save our Jobs.
http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople
PLEASE, WE NEED TO STOP OUTSOURCING AND SAVE OUR JOBS and SAVE OUR FAMILY. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/24/08:
IH8T3IBM- IBM probably reduced the bill rate on the PO with CDI. CDI probably
reduced your salary to keep their 'profit' the same. Either way, we (the average
worker) gets the short end of the stick. Working for a contracting firm, working
for IBM truly stinks. You get screwed six ways to Sunday. Note to IBM UC'd -
can you give a little more detail on which areas of IBM that are going to get
ousted in 2009? -anon-
Comment
11/24/08:
"Just received an email Friday night from my contracting
company, CDI, stating that IBM was cutting my pay because of the "economic
downturn". What a bunch of horse s**t!! Anyone else get a recent cut this
week?"
I haven't yet but I bet Sammy and his cronies will exceed their
performance goals for the year since they cut your pay. They will get a big
increase in pay and bonus on top of the millions per year they already get for
the saving they achieved by cutting your pay. People, when are we going to wise
up to the scam going on with these corporate crooks? Let's get a Union so we
have a means to fight back. Right now Sammy keeps stiffing us in the ass and
we can't do anything about it. With a Union we can fight back. Go Alliance!!!!
-Joe Blue-
Comment
11/24/08:
-Air American-: American jobless
rates ARE climbing. Its a phony number based on applications for unemployment
benefits. Once you exceed your weeks of benefits you are no longer counted.
With the housing slowdown and the approach of winter, construction is way down.
That causes the jobless numbers to spike. The number of people out of work is
really much worse then that number represents. People out of work over a year
are no longer counted. But still unemployed. McCain lost more because of a viceral
hatred for Pres. Bush that some Americans carried over to McCain then for his
own shortcomings. Whoever won the Democratic nomination was going to win the
election no matter who the Republicans ran. That Obama only won the popular
vote by the population difference between New York City and the State of Wyoming
tells me that McCain did a good job and Obama did a poor one. It really should
not have been that close. People are panicing over the stock market. It is where
it was two years ago. 7000 in 2006. What else has doubled in value in two years??
Looks to me that the market was way overpriced and its adjusting. That the idiots
that pass for reporters these days just keep harping on how bad things are which
drives the herd mentality that is the Stock Market ever downward has more negative
effect then anything the government can do to stop it. The dow will recover
as will all the markets given time. How do we create more jobs? Create more
businesses! . Governments can only create short term work like roads projects
by spending tax money. They spend the money on contracts with companies that
actually hire people. So job creation is a function of business, not government.
Companies create long term work . If I know a way to fix this mess Maybe I would
be president elect. If I was that smart though I would not want that job!!
-Exodus2007-
Comment
11/24/08:
Dear -Captain WTF- They can and have been INsourced.
Thats where you allow illegal immigrants to migrate freely into your country
and work for lower then minimum wage with no benefits which forces your own
countrymen to take lower and lower wages to compete. On the business side you
pay lower wages and no taxes cuz they are illegal. But you still collect full
price for your jobs. If anyone finds fault with you call them racists and browbeat
them with America is founded by Immigrants and pass laws allowing drivers licenses
for illegals which leads to motor voter laws which creates a voting block for
the illegals . Make sure the illegals are welcomed by allowing their children
free educations paid for by the American Taxpayers and pretty soon ( Like NOW)
Americans can find no jobs because Nafta has moved manufacturing to Mexico and
Canada and Illegals have gobbled up the service industry jobs and construction
labor jobs. Its the best in a world wide economy. Outsource the jobs for cheaper
labor then Insource the Labor for Maximum profits when you can't outsource.
If you can't get away with illegals use contractors who work cheap now because
you have so weakened the US economy that they are glad just to have a job. Sound
Familiar. If your found out Blame the Republicans, Or the Democrats. Does not
matter as long as someone falls for it and does not stop it. Blame Racism, Blame
the Whites, Blame the Blacks. Create distrust to keep Americans from banding
together to save their economy. Buy those cheap goods from China. Buy those
Foriegn cars. Put more Americans out of work. Then sit there and look for someone
to blame. Because as long as you have someone else to blame it can't be your
own fault could it? -Exodus2007-
Comment
11/24/08:
I believe that the thousands of new jobs Mr. Obama says he will
create are mostly non-professional, as mentioned by others' postings. I am on
a commercial account that is driven by the financial bottom line; not quality
of deliverables, customer sat, or repeat business signings! IBM and other large
companies have lawyers, accountants etc. that are out-smarting the US government,
and they will not be stopped from moving more jobs offshore because they hide
the truth very well. I will continue to read this web site to understand what
the union believes they can do to prevent the mass exodus of jobs to less skilled
Global Resources based soley on cost. -A
Concerned IBM'er-
Comment
11/24/08:
To: -IBM UC'd- >>> What you say sounds good, academically.
BUT - If we are laid off and the others are underpaid, WHO is going to buy whatever
is made ? That is why this is now GLOBAL R & D (Recession & Depression).
-no-ky-
Comment
11/24/08:
Ladies and Gents, whether you are Reps or Dems-the fact in Upper
Mgt thinking is the same, taxes are wasted profit and a liability...no matter
how many methodologies from LEAN, Six Sigma, Agile, SAP and so on I have been
in that Big Blue paid for the result is the same...off shoring will continue
for two main reasons ---I was there when Sam was in charge of that group and
that is what got him where he is now for those WHO DON'T KNOW IT. Second all
of the locales (India, China, Argentina where Steady State is already 100% as
is GS at 80%) you are mentioning have tax rates that are next to the single
digits THERE NOW and Sam has stressed that through the Team Mtngs ever since
2005. It is that simple, for every employee here there is a added cost of $
.60 on the dollar for government taxes that IBM is tacked to paying outright
that you never see in addition to your paycheck draws to SS, Medicare, Fed and
State taxes...you can rebel rouse all you want but have heard it from both sides
and the off shoring is slated to increase in ways you won't believe before Aug
of 09. Would like to say more but only a narrow group is aware until more breaks
I am not saying anything until I am 100% out, but not even SDM's are safe or
even Natl Acct Mgrs...get it? Sam is a big fan of Obama and has been a supporter
up and down the halls as well as in 2 emails he sent out, reasoning is that
it proves him right and makes him look good to shareholders and supporters.
Both candidates I was not fond of and Obama makes Sam look better to shareholders
because of increased gov't taxes and a further reason to increase offshoring.
Sam is not here for the 25 year plan, he is here for the "I survived another
couple of years" and most at tiers 1-8 know it like you would not believe.
That means cuts that wil make him look good and basing resources where he can
max the advantage...no law will stop that and can't, even in Communist China
- I've been there during the Lenovo talks and they use N. Koreans in some plants
because they are abused refuges or rented from N Korean government and work
cheaper than even farmers in factories. Get used to that part, a union would
help; but put it together with tax cuts and that works best. What happened the
past couple of years has actually been an increase in taxes meaning more SR
emails (Statement of Resources) and since you know who only gets those, you
have an idea where I sit. -IBM UC'd-
Comment
11/24/08:
Just received an email Friday night from my contracting company,
CDI, stating that IBM was cutting my pay because of the "economic downturn".
What a bunch of horse s**t!! Anyone else get a recent cut this week?
-IH8T3IBM-
Comment
11/24/08:
Would anyone be will to share their stories in print? How ibm
treats employees, layoffs, reductions, global resourcing. I was recently layed
off and I feel our stories need to be told. IBM has been treating people like
this because they can get away with it. Let me know if you have a story and/or
a possible smoking gun. -joe-
Alliance reply: Joe and others: please contact us
if you want to share your stories. We have media contacts we can get you in
touch with.
Comment
11/24/08:
Hey Exodus, how would voting Republican save us from outsourcing
jobs like we've seen for the past 8 years under the Bush administration? The
Big Business community has been enjoying all their tax cuts from the current
administration but the jobless rate for Americans rises. McCain had no plan
to do anything differently, which is why he lost. -Air
American-
Comment
11/23/08:
We were also told that 100% of our project (IGS GA) is losing
jobs to the GDC (Global Delivery Center) in 2009. We were also told that our
jobs are being off-shored to free up resources for "all the US commercial
business we are losing". What a joke. Do they think we're such idiots that
we would believe that? IBM execs smell like Bush...arrogant, dirty, and self-serving.
-Anonymous-
Comment
11/23/08:
Roadbuilding jobs cannot be offshored; while engineering, software,
help desks, etc can easily be. And the overseas engineers will work for 10%
of what we get here. This is possible for them because they have a very large
poverty underclass who will do the menial work extremely cheaply. So they get
a car wash or a shoeshine or the toilet cleaned for ten cents. A baby sitter
or a cook or a housekeeper works for a dollar a day. This is the real problem
we face in the USA: the corporations can buy our kind of labor more cheaply
elsewhere. Our *only* real solution is to increase our productivity beyond theirs
to the point that the corporations have no monetary advantage in going overseas.
Alternatively, our pay will go downward until it meets that of the Indian engineer,
at which point the work will start coming back. -Captain WTF-
Comment
11/23/08:
To Exodus2007: Good points! That is why I voted Republican. Let
the majority of those who voted for Obama along with those who did not but want
to save this country act on my suggestion. See my prior post….Who knows?
Obama may listen to the many who speak the same message, loudly and repetitively.
Let’s not give up. Let IBM U.S.A employees’ message (bring back
jobs to America) be heard and talked about on the news, written in the newspapers
and acted on by the president elect, congress and senate. -BringBackJobsToUSA-
Comment
11/23/08:
to -BringBackJobsToUSA- He wants to raise corporate taxes
which will drive more jobs and maybe even corporate HQ's Offshore to avoid more
taxes. He wants to create Government spending jobs like federal highways and
bridges so you will be forced to depend on government contracts for your income.
And as the government will be Democratic control guess how you will be forced
to vote to keep working. Its a form of slavery called indentured servitude.
You owe your job to a polical party so they own you. Obama is not worried about
keeping your high tech high salaried jobs. He wants to keep those guys leaning
on their shovels at a road project employed. They vote Democrat no matter what
so the more of them they have the more votes they get. Be prepared to turn in
your keyboards and pick up your shovels cuz thats where the job creation is
going. Its Amazing that someone ran on higher taxes and socialized medicine
and won. Without a real plan just vague made up numbers that changed speech
to speech and no one called him on them. Change you can believe in!! NONE!
-Exodus2007-
Comment
11/23/08:
All----Please submit your ideas/concerns on how to prevent jobs
loss in the U.S.A. including in IBM to reduce off-shoring, and instead bringing
jobs back to U.S.A. citizens or permanent residents residing on U.S.A. soils.
Please bring up as many factual data as possible to make your suggestions possible
to follow up by the President Elect Obama.
This is new Obama’s Web site”. http://change.gov/agenda/economy_agenda/
I do not see that reducing off-shoring of jobs and creating these jobs in U.SA.
is top priority of the new government at all. The 2.5 millions new jobs by 2011”
to rebuild bridges, road and modernize schools is President Obama Elect 1-st
priority. -BringBackJobsToUSA-
Comment
11/20/08:
In a director meeting this week. The director indicates that all
US GBS LCM and Dev resource in his team will be replaced by GDC (Global Delivery
Center) resource (china, argentina, brazil, mexico, taiwan, singapore, russia,
india) in 2009. This is to save money (estimated at 6.5) for our IGA S&D
client and to free up resource for commercial accounts. hahahahahaha Does he
think were stupid !!! We will train our replacements just like they just did
in GTS with the SDM's SDM's then there will be no jobs. Good Luck to you , remember
we have value and can use it to compete with the BLUOX -Anon-
Comment
11/20/08:
-IBM UC'd- >> IF these people have not been gone
for at least 1 year, IBM would have to hire them on as PERMANENT employees as
continuation of their previous employment, IF they applied directly to IBM.
If they work for an outside agency, then IBM could hire the agency and these
people could do the job. So when you get canned, you are canned from direct
employment for a while at the canner company. -NO-KY-
Comment
11/19/08:
The "Big 3" automaker CEOs are....well, morons:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/11/19/autos.ceo.jets/index.html
Safety?!?! Bill Gates famously flew economy class, at least in the U.S., and
he's worth vastly more than any auto CEO. These jerks couldn't find an airline
flight from Detroit to DC? Which raises an interesting question: with all this
belt-tightening for the rest of us, including a new worldwide economy class
travel policy, is IBM management getting rid of the private jets? If not, why
not? But let's even leave aside the serious question of whether private jets
make sense for business travel and turn instead to company-paid personal jet
use. Last year, Sam Palmisano received $406,235 worth of *personal* use of private
jet travel. That's golfing vacations, a pop over to a favorite deli across the
country, ferrying a treasured pet, dropping a very lucky kid off at an expensive
college, or whatever. The median for a Fortune 100 CEO was a still-grotesque
$121,676. If IBM flew Sam merely like every other F-100 CEO last year, IBM would
liberate enough savings to avoid laying off about 3 U.S. employees. (And that's
assuming those 3 employees don't generate more revenue for IBM, which is of
course not realistic.) So which 3 of you paid for Sam's above-median personal
jet travel with your jobs? -Anonymous &
Concerned-
Comment
11/19/08:
HR keeping jobs posted like they are not filled for long periods
of time. If you look at the open jobs and then you have to go back a section
at the time 123456 ..... you will find the jobs listed, but hard to see them,
because each time it takes you back to start. I believe they keep them posted
to look like they can't find qualified people to support bringing in visas.
Another thing has been noted, a regular IBM person works and takes classes to
learn a new feature, mgt says sure you can work on the feature, but they are
never allowed to work on the feature. A visa walks in and they get the new feature
assignment, but have less experience than the regular. We all need to join up,
because this direction is not changing. If you're reading here, then you're
already worried, so join up. Together we can be heard, rather than knocking
us off one at a time. We could make history! -Young Lady-
Comment
11/19/08:
In response to the Alliance reply to IBMs libraries, yes.. I meant
the IBM libraries, not a public library. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/19/08:
"As for Sammy's millions, better uses come to mind, homeless
shelters, hungry kids in Appalachia, schools."
How about if Sammy gives a little more of his millions to his employees at the
bottom doing the work and stops stiffing them in the ass? This is where a Union
would help. Go Alliance!!! -Down with Sammy-
Comment
11/19/08:
"hearing BTV is having big cuts tomorrow, 11/18, 800-1100
.... the start of many changes for BTV; has anyone heard any of this? Nervous
in BTV"
Yes, I have heard very credible information that this is going to definitely
happen. It is not "if" but "when". The last time IBM had
cuts in BTV it was on election day so that it would get buried in the news.
This time it will be after Thanksgiving. BTV is on a death spiral down as it
continues to layoff workers. The site no longer makes anything used in IBM products.
It is just a matter of time before the doors close or it is sold. God Bless
America. -Joe Blue-
Comment
11/19/08:
IS IBM ACTUALLY HIRING?!?! Talked with several people including
former people going to the job site and basically applying for thier old jobs
after being laid of from contracting and then told they were "not approved"
for a position they held for years??? Is this just a ruse for allowing H1B's?
-IBM UC'd-
Comment
11/18/08:
Responding to Sick of Sammy: There are a lot of battles to fight.
Saving the site libraries isn't one of them (IMHO). I've been one of the biggest
users of our site library, and I'm saddened to lose both the library and the
librarian. Our librarian has been a HUGE help to me over the years. But I'm
saddened by every loss we've had. I will miss the library's resources, but not
that much, with everything that's available online. As for Sammy's millions,
better uses come to mind, homeless shelters, hungry kids in Appalachia, schools.
-Out There in the Wild-
Comment
11/18/08:
Maybe Frank can go to work for Apple. :) -Marbles-
Comment
11/18/08:
Libraries closing? Who cares really. The last time I went to the
library to find something was in 1984, glad to see it go. They have this new
fangled thing called "The Internet" and sorry, but you can find everything
on it, including books that are in the library. Yes, PDFs of everything are
available, learn to use something besides and antiquated Dewey decimal system.
-Anonymous-
Alliance Reply: Please correct if this is wrong: The libraries being discussed
here, are the IBM internal libraries, Not public libraries. Besides, most public
libraries have internet access. Many have very updated computers and methods
that allow searching for books and reading materials, DVD's, CD's, etc.; without
the need to know the dewey decimal system. One would think that IBM's internal
libraries have at least the same technology, no?
Comment
11/18/08:
This article describes apparent layoffs at IBM in Rochester, Minnesota,
including (unconfirmed) Frank Soltis:
http://www.itjungle.com/tfh/tfh111708-story03.html
-Anonymous & Concerned-
Comment
11/17/08:
... hearing BTV is having big cuts tomorrow, 11/18, 800-1100 ....
the start of many changes for BTV; has anyone heard any of this?
-Nervous in BTV-
Comment
11/17/08:
"IBM is closing libraries at these location: Essex Junction,
Austin, Rochester, Poughkeepsie, and Tucson as of December 1, 2008."
Interesting that Sammy approves the closure of these libraries. Have you seen
Sammy offer up a portion of his millions in stock options and bonuses to keep
a single library open? No. If Sammy were president he would be closing the public
libraries. He is a greedy ignorant stupid bastard. -Sick
of Sammy-
Comment
11/17/08:
"I have to do his work now - am now doing 4 times the
workload as of 18 months ago"
Why are you doing 4 times the workload? I'll wager that it's not in a 40
hour work week. It's your manager's responsibility to 'manage' the workload.
If he doesn't have enough employees to do the work in a 40 hour week, it's on
his shoulders, not yours. Your family is more important than IBM - don't give
your life to them. -Tulsa_employee-
Comment
11/17/08:
CTG in RTP... We have all taken a "pay cut" over the
past several years due to very little or no increase in pay and a pittance for
bonuses. We lost some good CTG people doing important work, so I guess you should
feel "lucky" that you weren't one of the affected CTG employees that
were escorted out the door on short notice. All I can say is if you can find
something better in this economy, then take it and leave IBM since there are
no strings attached to keep you there unless you just do it for the sheer entertainment.
-Anonymous-
Comment
11/17/08:
Anon in rtp, sorry to hear that - I got a 10% reduction last year
in Canada - hoping to find another job before IBM dishes out another 10% pay
cut ultimatum - contractor colleague of mine was let go last week - I have to
do his work now - am now doing 4 times the workload as of 18 months ago.
-DM-
Comment
11/17/08:
CTG third paycut in 3 years and yet you continue to stay? As a
retiree I could understand you hanging on for a pension maybe but what are you
hoping to accomplish by staying?? Considering on top of paycuts the cost of
living has been climbing so you are probably down to McDonalds wages why would
anyone put up with IBM's S*** for declining wages? I am not trying to be negative
or nasty but I would have to give serious thought to my situation. Even Bob
Cratchet got a penny a year raise. Good Luck! -Exodus2007-
Comment
11/17/08:
Steady State completely India and Argentina right now and expect
them to advance plan in other areas - GS is about to go to 88% to India and
China before JUNE of 09. More RA's coming Dec 1 - take any vacation before and
Big Blue not planning on rehiring full timers even though some major contracts
signed the past month - looking at NEW contractors only is what was heard in
the halls, less rate. -UC'd-
Comment
11/17/08:
IBM is closing libraries at these location: Essex Junction, Austin, Rochester,
Poughkeepsie, and Tucson as of December 1, 2008. -very
concerned-
Comment
11/16/08:
i'm a contractor @ the rtp, nc site.. just got a call from my CTG manager saying
IBM was cutting our pay %10 effective tomorrow monday 17th, 2008... Merry Christmas..
3rd cut i've had in the last 3 years... -anonymous-
Comment
11/16/08:
keeplibraries -- There is obviously a spectrum of value in the library,
from zero to very valuable. If we suppose the value to be very high then it
should be kept. OTOH if we suppose the value to be zero then it clearly should
be dropped. Think back: IBM probably used to have a typewriter fabrication line
somewhere. Should it have that now, when typewriters are no longer in the product
line -- and when nobody would buy them even if they were? I think the library
is like that: pretty much obsolete and therefore reasonable to drop. Now what
about the librarians? Well, it would be *nice* if they could be kept on the
payroll but still they need to produce something of value. Like the typewriter
assembly line, probably the wrenches and screwdrivers were assigned somewhere
else, and probably the building was repurposed as well; but inevitably some
of the tooling was specific to typewriters and therefore could not be used.
-Mule Skinner-
Comment
11/16/08:
Mule Skinner: Reasonable
change? It isn't a change for the better. How about the folks that maintain
the library campus? They are probably on the 30-day march to unemployment now.
-keeplibraries-
Comment
11/15/08:
Sick ... I agree with you. When will people wake up. Every body thinks all is
good, so long as it is not them. So, how many sap suckers read here and not
join the union? I need you people to join up, so as a group we can have some
power. -none-
Comment
11/15/08:
I notice in the article from Rochester that campus libraries are being cut.
Now that we get faster, fresher, more voluminous research on the net, this seems
like a reasonable change. -Mule Skinner-
Comment
11/15/08:
"IBM puts bottom line above their employees" http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20081114/OPINION02/811140312/1004/OPINION
Bravo for this opinion!. It is more than an opinion
since it is absolutely true.
-anonymous-
Comment
11/15/08:
See job cuts at: http://www.necn.com/Boston/Business/IBM-layoffs-cause-community-concerns/1225925431.html
-concerned-
Comment
11/14/08:
We Just need to STOP outsourcing of IBM Jobs to China, Brazil and India. IBM
CEO's and Management does not take care, they just backstab us when we worked
for them for 30 to 40 years and one fine day they throw us out. Alliance Team
and to all others here Please fill up the form under this url explaining outsource
and offshore problem hope Mr.Obama will do something to save our Jobs. http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople
PLEASE WE NEED TO STOP OUTSOURCING AND SAVE OUR JOBS and SAVE OUR
FAMILY. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/14/08:
Sun cutting 6000. This layoff thing is catching on......
http://www.forbes.com/2008/11/14/sun-microsystems-tech-markets-equity-cx_ra_1114markets12.html?partner=yahootix
-homerj-
Comment
11/14/08:
More cuts in Rochester:
http://news.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=7&a=371039
-anaon-
Comment
11/14/08:
Don't look now, but someone should tell Georgia about Texas:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/management/outsourcing/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212002576#community
-Barb-
Comment
11/14/08:
I cannot believe it. All this time been a "good" IBM employee and
to be treated this way..... -sick-
Comment
11/14/08:
More on the RTP cuts: http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/opinion/blogpost/3958948/
-RTP-
Comment
11/14/08:
A reason to be interested in senior level or management layoffs is the possibility
that they will bump out someone lower down in the hierarchy. -Old
Crab-
Comment
11/13/08:
I was one of the 100 contractors discarded at RTP in October. I know that everything
I have to say has been said already, but I don't care. I was a contractor for
5 years, originally doing the job of a regular who was 'supervising' me. He
had been a contractor at one point too, but that was back in the glorious fabled
times when IBM actually converted contractors into regulars from time to time.
I did a good job and was instrumental in making and/or saving several large
deals for the company. The results of my work easily helped IBM get or keep
several million dollars of business. Yet, when it was time for them to improve
their stock report, I was spat out and left for dead. I remember a few years
earlier when they had their 'preferred vendor' business, giving exclusive STG
contracts to CTG. I've got nothing against CTG, but everyone knew at that time
what they were really doing was getting rid of what little ability contractors
had to shop around and get a better deal. I worked with regulars of similar
experience who did similar or even less demanding jobs for double or even triple
what I was making. I wasn't even the worst. I knew someone who had been a contractor
for 10 years who was discarded at the same time that I was. I'm angry and I'm
afraid. I watched jobs go overseas to Taiwan and other places - people asked
to train their replacements, knowing that they were being replaced. I think
this 'off-shoring' stuff is despicable. Most of all, I hate the euphemisms that
IBM spokespeople use for all of this stuff. Resource reductions, rebalancing
skills. It's an outrage, and it should be illegal. I think that US companies
shouldn't be allow to move jobs out of the country - period. If they want to
add new jobs in another country, fine, but they shouldn't be allowed to sell
us out like this. These people don't deserve our loyalty. I hope IBM crashes
and burns. They deserve it. -used_and_discarded-
Comment
11/13/08:
Ok..My bad, mea culpa. I did re-read the article. The confusion is between the
headline and the article itself. The headline reads: "IBM slashes 215
senior positions, including six VPs; 38 jobs cut in RTP"...
But the article says, "IBM is laying off a host of senior managers,
including at least six vice presidents, in another round of 215 job cuts among
its Systems and Technology Group. An IBM spokesperson confirmed 38 of the people
affected are based in the Triangle."
The difference is obvious. The headline says "215 Senior positions"
and the article says "a host of senior managers, including
at least six vice presidents"
To me, the whole thing diverts attention to Senior Management/Executives job
loss. I also read Alliance's quotes in the article. I realize that Alliance
is NOT sticking up for ANY job cuts; but rather, outraged at their occurrence
at all. Bravo Alliance. I'm a member. I get your point -newsflash-;
mea culpa et al. -Ubuntu2u2-
Comment
11/13/08:
"IBM slashes 215 senior positions, including six VPs; 38 jobs cut in RTP"
....
Does anyone know the names of the execs that supposedly being let go? My bet
is that if you check their names in the IBM directory in 30 days you will find
that somehow they all have found jobs within the company.... I think this press
release is all window dressing! -stillemployed-
Alliance reply: You are probably right. Executives protect their own. Isn't
it time we protected our non-management co-workers?
We all know that most workers do not find new jobs. A union contract would fix
that. No new hires until RA'd workers are brought back!
Comment
11/13/08:
Very clever, -newsflash-...using Alliance's comment section title as
your argument; since it doesn't specify what jobs are 'cut' and whom is part
of the 'resource actions' and 'firings'.. What are you saying, "have some
sympathy and some taste..." for the devil? Sorry. -Ubuntu2u2-
Comment
11/13/08:
Ubuntu2u2...scroll to the very top of this page and read the first 3 lines reddish
brown... -newsflash-
Comment
11/13/08:
-newsflash- Pardon the interruption, but tell me why Alliance members
should be concerned about IBM execs losing their jobs? Isn't this a comeuppance
for their sorry treatment of US IBM employees and their families? This should
have been done years ago. Frankly, I celebrate it, because I know that none
of them will need to collect unemployment or dip into their 401k's to survive...
I say get rid of the majority of their "Senior" executives. Sorry,
I've no sympathy for the wealthy at this point. My bad. -Ubuntu2u2-
Alliance reply: To clarify--we are concerned about non-executive jobs not executive
jobs. You are right, we have no sympathy for the execs.
Comment
11/13/08:
IBM slashes 215 senior positions, including six VPs; 38 jobs cut in RTP
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/news/story/3955511/
-newsflash-
Comment
11/13/08:
-say it ain't so Joe!- Really?
Is this true? Well they get 60 days to find another job where us serfs are only
given 30.. Still not fair.
-anonymouse-
Comment
11/13/08:
-Brandon123- guess again bub, was there and know what happened - was
offshoring and those were the problems and that was the MAIN problem, the State
of Texas was promised in SLA's that NONE would happen and that was their biggest
complaint on steady state move. Happened in Global and know all of the problems
there and had to even train my SA's and TL's who were switched over to Bangalore
Resources after they were RA'd, how else do you explain the HUGE problem with
a Indian based PM and team doing that screw up on the DA's file structure and
having a completely screwed up Active Directory and botched backups/production
runs as well.
Look for this to happen more as big blue goes more to this model and that we
were hearing about constantly from uppers. Figured out why
the ST changes yet???? Here's a hint, few of them actually in Denver, Boulder
or other locations-think time zone 11 hours ahead. Some SDMs getting word now
and would not be surprised if overseas takes over customer facing accounts way
before the original 2010 date, like maybe MARCH 2009!!!! Anyone else heard the
same? -UC'd-
Comment
11/13/08:
To: -another_IBM_serial#- , You guys just crack me up! Any word when
this is coming? How many times have you guys asked this question? The answer
is always the same. Without a UNION, it's coming. There is no doubt about that.
Either help the cause, sit back and wait for it to happen, or get out before
they throw you out. Those are your options. No more stupid questions please.
-Anon-
Comment
11/13/08:
STG US Layoffs. "STG SG&R Resource Action (SGAR) Notifed 11/10/08 Last
Day 12/10/08 Total = 215 40-49 yrs old = 32%
50+ yrs old = 55.4% Mostly in Sales, Marketing & other SG&A
-anon-
Comment
11/13/08:
-say it ain't so Joe!- Which divisions or sectors are
the executives being packaged or pressured to transfer? What level/type and
number of executives are being hit with packages or relocation options?
-another_ibm_serial#-
Comment
11/12/08:
Lots of executives are being given packages today. They have until January to
leave IBM and some are being asked to go to Dubai or China to work. Some are
being re-leveled back to the field in sales. -say
it ain't so Joe!-
Comment
11/12/08:
"-IBM_SUCKs- Comment 11/10/08: Looks like all TTPM PMs will be let
go to be replaced by PMs in India working remote..why you ask? Because they
are cheaper...so we hit the road." ... any word on when this might
be coming? -another_IBM_serial#-
Comment
11/12/08:
Responding to a message below -- I dont think that the Texas screw-up had much
to do with off-shoring. Most govt contracts end up in trouble because the legacy
transformation cost is way underestimated just to land the job. Poorly staffed
engagements fail whether it is delivered
using local or offshore resources. On the topic of this forum -- I can confirm
the story about job cuts in STG. The cuts seem to be more widespread including
Band 9 & 10 senior employees. -Brandon123-
Comment
11/12/08:
Adding to my 11/10 comment: The STG resource actions in the US seem to be outsourced
to IBM-India. -STG-IBMer-
Comment
11/12/08:
-curious-, The severence payment is a lump sum that cannot be deferred
our spread out. The medical benefits are equivalent to current benefits and
DO NOT include dental and vision. -25year
ibm vet-
Comment
11/12/08:
25year ibm vet - What option do u have for the 2 weeks salary up to
26 weeks ...which means 13 paychecks (6.5 months worth) or 1 lump sum or is
there any other option....also for the medical dental I assume u still pay the
same rate as if u were an employee? -curious-
Comment
11/11/08:
Many have not noticed but the predictions made about the offshoring and the
consequences are going on in Texas right now show what future business with
IBM will be like for IT direction. Texas recently suspended ALL PAYMENTS until
security compliance is done including not sending security/HIPPA docs and data
to India for Steady State! Additionally a Bangalore based PM was responsible
for the fowl up of a huge DB that was for the state Attorney General office
which compromised 100's of cases....get used to it....want to see where SAM
thinks should go next - you better read this - really insightful...from US NEWS.
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2008/11/07/ibms-ceo-a-stealth-obama-supporter.html
-UC'd-
Comment
11/11/08:
I was a manager for 15 years at IBM. When it came to layoffs, our VP’s
motto was “better a 2 on the old plan than a 3 on the new plan”.
Time after time, we would fire a 2 performing “old plan” person
rather than a 3 performing “new plan” person doing the exact same
job, to meet our layoff quota. Of course we would put them in some sort of job
category that sounded different but was totally bogus, like the “new plan”
person was a “customer consultant” and the “old plan”
person was a “client consultant”, but we all knew they did the exact
same job. All other managers I knew in all other IBM areas did the same thing.
If someone subpoenaed the lay off records of all 2 or better performing employees,
the IBM evidence of age discrimination and bias in firing “old plan”
employees would be overwhelming. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/11/08:
BTV is flying with rumors ... so much anxiety yet we know we must plug along.
Many re-orgs and moving of people around ... in preparation of what? Time will
tell .... -What Next?-
Comment
11/11/08:
After reading a few entries in "immigration voice" I must say that
I am impressed with their relative eloquence and lack of panic and backbiting.
-Real American-
Comment
11/11/08:
I was laid off yesterday. I work in the Systems&Technology Group-Industry
Systems. Based in Atlanta. Based on conversations with numerous colleagues,
I estimate that 100-200 STG employees are laid off, mostly in the US, mostly
working on the STG "worldwide team." I have been offered separation
and severance terms commonly extended to US employees: 30-days until official
separation, 2 weeks salary for every year worked up to 26 weeks total, 12 months
worth of medial and insurance coverage. I am 48 years old. -25-Year IBM
Vet-
Comment
11/11/08:
Seymor - I am suprised by your position on this. You believe Mark is
a good man, obviously IBM thinks so as well. In this day and age of total disrespect
for intellectual property, IBM in this situation appears to be putting a VERY
high value on Mark. It is reported they even tried to offer him additional compensation
to stay. If you believe he is an intelligent man then you must believe he totally
understood what he was signing, and the consequences.Others have signed this
and waited out the year until they worked for a competitor, he apparently didn't
think he needed to. On a message board where people are constantly criticizing
IBM for not valuing there employees, could there be any better demonstration
of valuing an employee than to fight to keep them from going elsewhere???
-Anonymous-
Alliance
Reply: This discussion was moved to General Visitor
Comments. This thread was steering off course from Job Cuts.
Comment
11/11/08:
Well now, IBM makes +$9B in NET profits, and, of course, the next logical
move to to GR as many positions as possible. Sounds about right - yes ? I've
worked for this company for a while now and I'm sick of this crap. How about
a "CHALLENGE" from some prissy PE? Let me translate : If you folks
can work serious overtime, for no overtime pay, and meet some CRAZY date in
a project plan, then our reward is that I (the stately PE) will get a HUGE bonus,
and you miserable worker-bee types get to try and salvage your personnel relationships
because you sacrificed EVERYTING (ie:kids' birthdays, vacations, scheduled vacations,
etc...) so IBM can APPEAR to be able to deliver ANYTHING, no matter how nuts
the dates and scope are! Oh, and at the end of the project, there is NO, and
I mean NO, confirmation that you will still have a job. How's that sound?
There is always someone, somewhere in this great world, cheeper than you. And,
IBM will give that person your job, to save a few "sheckles". It doesn't
matter if they speak english well, or not...they are cheaper. Has anyone actually
opened a trouble ticket with IBM internal support and gotten any sort of resonable
response? A rhetorical question, I know; everyone knows that if you do not work
at a location with an actual IBM hardware or software tech, or your brother,
son, or neighbor is not a computer expert, then YOU ARE SCREWED!!!!!!!!!! Good
luck getting anything other than "Good afternoon Mr Man, my name is Earl,
from Mayanta, India, is your computer plugged in? Yes...then can I please close
this ticket (so I can get credit for "resolving" more tickets than
my worker-neighbor "James").
I'm not sure what the answer to this insanity is (see, I'm so messed up that
my english diction is f%$ked-up also). Anyway, god bless the a-wholes at the
exec level, making $$$$$, while us small workers pick up the crumbs, and HOPE
our job will not be "GR'd" this year. No worries though, it will be
GR'd next year so IBM can save .5% on some labor cost somewhere in some "cost-case".
And in parting, all you SDM's and DPE types out there, remember that the email
has been circulated to GR a large portion of the "Command and Control"
positions. I think the official position must be to eliminate all of you pesky
workers who have some notion of actually retiring from IBM with a livable savings.
As Karl Marx was fond of saying "From each according to his abilities
(the workers), to each according to his needs (IBM Mgmt and Exec)".
Enjoy! -I-Used-2-Luv-IBM-Then-I-Woke-Up-
Comment
11/10/08:
Looks like all TTPM PMs will be let go to be replaced by PMs in India
working remote..why you ask? Because they are cheaper...so we hit the road.
-IBM_SUCKs-
Comment
11/10/08:
Significant but unknown number of job cuts in STG starting today I think,
Nov 10. Not location-specific but all in the US. -STG-IBMer-
Comment
11/10/08:
Just a suggestion, you might want to start lobbying at this site because
the foreign workers already are.
http://immigrationvoice.org/forum/showthread.php?t=22307
"Obama wants to hear your idea. President elect Obama has just launched
http://change.gov
and here http://change.gov/page/s/ofthepeople
They are inviting ideas for changes and one of the check box is "immigration".
Guys, let them hear our voice?" -Barb-
Comment
11/09/08:
Life after IBM. I left on my own after 29 years of service. I left for
a job with just as much pressure. I am working just as hard as I did at IBM.
I am enjoying myself more than ever because I feel I can make a difference.
IBM is a good company. A lot of good companies out there. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/08/08:
Just discovered yesterday that 2 colleagues in Montreal (Global Services
Tech support) were given the can last week - no announcement from the manager
or anything. It was only discovered/confirmed by some people over hearing 2nd
Line Manager talking about them and further cuts in the coffee lounge.
-DM-
Comment
11/08/08:
Hey NOBAMA: And
the Republicans haven't forgotten about the middle class? You betcha they have!
It was under Republican "leadership" that offshoring and eliminating
jobs has escalated; which of course this Big Blew embraced. -BUSHWACKED-
Comment
11/08/08:
Virgil, aside from grammar problems, I think your site has some other
issues: My pc slowed down to a crawl when I went there. -Snail-
Comment
11/07/08:
Resource actions occurring in Software Group (Information Management).
People I know affected are from Sales and Customer Support. Notifications happened
this week. Don't know how many where affected. --
Comment
11/07/08:
About another furlough in BTV ... it's Fishkill's turn. Period. We "took
one for the team" last time, now let them take one. -BTV'er-
Comment
11/07/08:
I would like to invite all of you to look at the "Wall of Shame"
at http://www.KeepAmericaAtWork.com
Thanks, Virgil
-Virgil Bierschwale-
Comment
11/07/08:
Engineer in Fishkill NY overhear one h1b visa 'manager'/overlord talking
to h1b worker saying... 'After the resource action we can bring in a few more
people' (meaning h1b's). It is quite clear that ibm intends to replace as many
workers with as many h1b's and L-2 (or what evers) as they can possibly find.
I hope ibm'ers are calling their local reps and letting them know about what
is going on! ibm gets millions in tax breaks for 'job's which it then gives
to foreign workers both in the US and offshore! sam palmaselloff has hired more
communist slaves and indentured servants than any slave owner that ever lived!
It's time to start calling the ins, fbi, and any other agency and government
rep you can think of while there are still a few Americans left working in the
US. -sam-is-a-commie-slave-lover-
Comment
11/07/08:
Layoffs on Election day are only the start under Obama. When Obama
raises taxes on corporations, IBM will be the first to send jobs over seas and
close plants that are under utilized like Burlington. Good bye jobs. On Another
note... I also heard that Burlington's NON-AWS employees are going to be told
they need to take a 2 week unpaid leave. The last time this happened in Burlington,
the state paid those employees
unemployment wages. -NOBAMA-
Alliance
Reply: This will happen regardless of who is President. IBM has been planning
this for some time. Take a look at many of our past posts in our archives sections
and other comments sections; such as General Visitor
Comments. You'll find that many IBMer's that have posted here, believe offshoring
of the USA's IBM employees is, and has been an IBM Executive Management goal
since year 2000 or possibly before. Tens of thousands have already been offshored
since Bush was elected in 2000. Didn't Bush cut corporate taxes, during his
two terms?
Comment
11/06/08:
IHateWorkingHereToo - Are you in Test or Systems Engineering within SEA&T?
Do you know how many people got impacted by the Resource Action? Of course,
getting any information from management is about as clear as mud.
-IHateWorkingHere-
Comment
11/05/08:
I have heard rumors of a possible furlough for BTV/STG employees from
several people within my organization. Has anyone else heard when this will
happen and will IBM give us a notice for a 2 wee furlough within a timeframe
or do they furlough you without pay with no notice and you find out the next
day you are on furlough? Any info would be appreciated, thanks. -Anonymous-
Comment
11/05/08:
The SEA&T GBS resource action is not just for those on the bench.
It is also for those with a current assignment scheduled to end in the first
part of 2009. My assignment is scheduled until Jan 31 with a probable extension
well in to the second quarter. Did not matter...my last day is Dec 1.
-IHateWorkingHereToo-
Comment
11/04/08:
While WCAX was talking about the 100-150 laid off today, they commented
that more were coming. Our governor was standing there but did not comment.
What else do we know about this? What is the deal with IBM doing this on election
day?!!! -Anonymous-
Comment
11/04/08:
STG managers with open hiring headcount supposedly can't make offers
to US employees, the only possible headcount increases allowable are offshore
(aka India, Brazil, or similar). Expertise is not a factor, "saving money"
is all that matters. No longer needs to be "first time correct".
-BTV Employee-
Comment
11/04/08:
Confirmation about Resource Action in SEA&T Group in GBS (Application
Services). Anyone on the bench will be let go (even though they are spinning
as skills needed for current environment - total BS).
-IHateWorkingHere-
Comment
11/04/08:
"100 long term supplementals let go in BTV today."
The house of cards is falling in Vermont. Sad that these people were let go
on Election Day. Folks, it is time to stand up and fight back against these
greedy bastards like Sam Palmisano. Why does it not surprise me that Sam was
elected to the board of Exxon? He has been raping the IBM corporation and now
will help the executives of Exxon rape that company. It is time to stand up
to these greedy self serving bastards like Sam Palmisano. -Joe the Worker-
Comment
11/04/08:
100 long term supplementals let go in BTV today. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20081104/NEWS/81104086
-BTV'er-
Comment
11/04/08:
UPDATE 1-Exxon names IBM's Palmisano as presiding director......good
choice there Exxon, since he is so good at running things aground -Gone-n-forgotten-
Comment
11/04/08:
I have worked over the last 22 years at several Fortune 500 Companies.
And IBM cares less about its people.... Well we are slaves. The job market sucks
and I am just waiting to get my pink slip..... Good luck to all -sick
of IBM-
Comment
11/02/08:
-ADrone- I'm in the SEA&T Organization but currently on a billable
contract. Are the only the individuals on the bench impacted right now? The
business people in this group are the worse at selling the services. -SEA&T
Member-
Comment
11/02/08:
"I find it interesting that every time someone suggests we
need to organize a union, you tell us that it is all up to us. If that's really
the case, then why do we even need the Alliance? -Joe Blue-"
To -Joe Blue- A union cannot pick a company and say this company is now
a union company. The workers in the company must organize themselves enough
for over half of them to say they want a union vote and that they would vote
yes. It is therefore up to us to organize to that point. We would then vote
yes. Become a union shop and then Viable unions would ask us to let them represent
us. CWA being one of the Candidates more likely to and the Alliance being a
group of organizers working with the CWA to help us organize. It is like political
organizers trying to not only get out the vote but to also get you to vote for
their candidate. Unlike them though we do not have a scheduled election day
until we organize to the point that WE schedule it. IBM will not schedule an
election for us and neither can the union so yes it is up to us. Do we have
to have the Alliance. No. Is it nice to have friends in low places just like
we are. You bet it is. Hope this clears up some of the misconceptions you have
about organizing. Now there is a law I would like to see. A yearly national
election of unions. Every year there is an automatic vote for or against a union
for every company doing business in America. Bet companies would treat us very
well to keep us from voting yes. I would vote yes just to spite the Bastards
anyway.
-Exodus2007-
Comment
11/02/08:
To -another_exibmr- Sorry to hear about that. I hope you found
work at a better place than IBM. The problem here is that nobody stands up to
the greed and inhumanity of these corporations. We are basically like slave
labor here at IBM. They know that the economy is in the gutter so they dont
have to give us raises or reasonable workloads. The same with the oil companies.
They have been charging us through the nose for gas and recording astronimical
earnings. But in the end, we are to blame. We allow these things to happen by
not coming together and unionizing. -patriot-
Comment
11/02/08:
To -patriot-; My manager told my group after a cut of contractors
over a year ago that we were now safe for a while. I got it a week later. The
only way to stop that madness is to Unionize and protect ourselves. As long
as you are an "at will" employee, they can do whatever they want.
-another_exibmr-
Comment
11/01/08:
I find it interesting that every time someone suggests we need to organize
a union, you tell us that it is all up to us. If that's really the case, then
why do we even need the Alliance? -Joe Blue-
Comment
11/01/08:
I hear through the grapevine that Infoprint Solutions, The company the printer
folks got shoved into has just announced an across the board Voluntary transition
option to all Service folks and Service managers. Agree to leave by Dec31 and
get up to 6 months pay. This could be a new record. They just joined the new
company June 1st and are already being shown the exit. I think the Qualexserv
people lasted longer then this. -Exodus2007-
Comment
11/01/08:
Regarding the rumored 90% cuts in ITD staff on the IBM Global Account, by year-end
2009, when is Collins-Smee planning to offshore the hardware and infrastructure?
-Clarify the rumors-
Comment
11/01/08:
Folks, we have a crisis in America today. 30 years ago the pay differential
in corporate America from the guy at the bottom to the guy at the top was 20X.
Now it is 2000X!!! Greedy CEO's like Sammy Palmidildo need to be brought into
line. A Union will do just that. Please, support the Alliance and let's form
a Union a get some control back to the employees of the IBM corporation. Why
give control to one greedy bastard like Sammy? It just doesn't make any sense.You
are all Joe the Plummer trying to keep you job and make ends meet just like
me. -Joe the Plummer-
Comment
11/01/08:
2010 folks. Do you hear me? 2010
is coming fast. Every IBM quarterly report mentions it. The non-BRIC countries
in IBM
need to do something to try to survive past 2009. -grimreaper-
Alliance
Reply: Organizing
and joining together would be the best strategy. Alliance@IBM continues to believe
that IBM will stop at nothing (in their control) to acheive total abandonment
of the USA workers. The one thing they can't control is a union of employees
that stand together, organize , and force IBM to the bargaining table. It is
a very doable strategy. It's
up to you. All of you.
Comment
11/01/08:
If 20% of HQ is getting the ax in November thenat least 1 out of every 5 IBM
upper management and executives (like the Sr. VP's) should be canned as well.
No golden parachutes, no fanfare, just the sound of an IBM Armonk door
slamming shut behind them. It's about time they need to feel the pain as well.
-Anonymous-
Comment
11/01/08:
For
those asking about the severance -- I was one affected by the 10/1 announcement
of layoffs within ITD. I'm told that I'll be getting 2 weeks pay for every year
worked with the company. 6 months pay max. They're also letting me keep my benefits
for 6 months,
regardless of how many years I have. Good luck to all of you. -Rage Against
The Machine-
Comment
11/01/08:
Heard that a few regulars were given 30 day notices last week here at RTP. Its
weird, because we were told by management that there was no plan to let regulars
go when the contractors got cut. So much for being truthful. -patriot-
