My wife just told me that the rumours of December 1 layoffs at EDS were correct. She's still there... for today.
She told me two of the people who were laid off, and they're names that I recogize as being mainstays of their team -- people who are smart and hard workers. So we can no longer assume that those qualities mean much to the worthies in the executive suite - which in turn means we can't assume that she is long for the company, either. Its time, and likely far past time, to make alternative plans.
What a pleasant feeling.
5 comments:
Layoffs selections tend to be a combination of various things including data that could prevent them from being sued!
I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that your wife makes it through the cuts.
Thank you. I'm not counting on it, though. I assume she'll be fired within the next six months, possibly the next three.
I suspect that the powers that be are under the gun to further reduce costs. In the past, they've removed whole internal organizations and the company survived, so the logic would be to continue doing so. They'd start with some of the higher-paid people, even given that they're the people who tend to know the most, and can do the most. If the lowest paid techie is a one, and the highest a ten, she's about an six or seven. That makes her a target.
I see the articles about problems companies will have when the boomers retire in force. With this kind of environment, I think It can't happen soon enough. Screw 'em.
Then I wonder: how safe is that pension plan?
Sorry to hear that, Bill!
It sucks; we knew the wife was getting laid off for a bit, but it still was a bit of a blow. (I'd check that pension plan out; if it's not fully-funded, and is company owned, I'd start investigating how to get your money out of it! It is legal, as per a few Supreme Court decisions, for the company to raid the pension fund. They don't even have to tell you. But some states passed laws, in response, that said the pension-holder (you) have certain rights, as well.) Sorry.
Carolyn Ann
Yeah, thats exactly my thought about the pension -- and I've heard of companies that raided it anyway.
We don't know what'll happen, and I think thats part of the killer. Its bad enough to get laid off; when you've no idea if or when, its like taking your chances of getting mugged. Its just 'your turn in the barrel'. I know it makes their lives easier to not warn people 'this could happen, and if it does, you're up', but thats not how it should be.
Like anyone cares!
Just learned of another guy who was laid off, and once again, its someone of supreme competence -- the guy you go to when you've no idea where to start.
I really hope for karmic payback for these.... people.
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