IEEE Spectrum:
Last week, IBM reported to investors that its workforce at the end of 2015 was almost as big as its workforce at the end of 2014 (within less than 1 percent), in spite of a year in which 70,000 employees left the company, to be replaced with new hires and acquisitions.
By the end of this week, the picture may look quite different. Today reports are coming in that big layoffs across the United States are underway, likely one-third of the U.S. workforce, according to one soon-to-be-laid-off IBMer.
One third of the US workforce. If true, that is perhaps 100,000 people. When I first read this, I was skeptical, but there is a lot of supporting detail, not just a single report from a disgruntled employee.
Likely adding to the pain of many of these workers is a recent change in IBM’s severance policy, reducing a potential maximum of six months of benefits to one month’s worth.
Ouch.
Cringely’s been warning about this for awhile now. For years, IBM has been laying off skilled workers while outsourcing their jobs to overseas contractors. All while publicly complaining how difficult it is to find skilled Americans.
And Wall Street rewards IBM for this behavior.
Layoff rumors at IBM aren’t news any more. Not even big ones. Definitely a bummer for those who it actually affects.
<
blockquote …………………………………………………………………………………………………>”my .friend’s mate Is getting 98$. HOURLY. on the internet.”….
<
blockquote>two days ago new Mc.Laren. F1 bought after earning 18,512$,,,this was my previous month’s paycheck ,and-a little over, 17k$ Last month ..3-5 h/r of work a days ..with extra open doors & weekly. paychecks.. it’s realy the easiest work I have ever Do.. I Joined This 7 months ago and now making over 87$, p/h.Learn. More right Hereo!297➤➤➤➤➤ http://GlobalSuperEmploymentVacanciesReportsJobs/GetPaid/98$hourly…. .❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:❖:❦:::::o!297…….
They’re certainly not new to hear about, but they are significant in their continuing scope, and therefore newsworthy. Especially as the company itself downplays their significance.