Thread regarding 3M layoffs

1981 hire,
Thanks for sharing your story. I guess I was a bit luckier in that, when I left the workforce two years ago, I was ready to leave the asylum. Most companies were doing quite well in 2015, which helped you get another job. Why 3M had to let go 2000 people in 2015 made no sense, other than mcnerney started the endless layoffs to help the company hit WS earnings targets (3M capitulated to these demand, sadly).

I was a 1986 hire so getting two more years toward the pension as well two more years of income would have been nice, but my mental health was worth it. I also hated having to have some cookie cutter rationale to share with the LOYAL employees who I was told to terminate, employees who did not deserve to be callously released just to save the company a penny or two per share.

I worked a long time in manufacturing and can remember being on call for many nights and weekends. No extra pay but I did it out of loyalty to a company that, as you said, was THE place to work in the 1980s. Unfortunately, from what I've heard CG has had even worse site directors and HR goons since you left.

Tartan Park was a really treat. Someone mentioned 3M Club, which was great too and where many people met a future spouse or long time friends. It was meant for the peons, too, who worked in manufacturing.

He wasn't perfect by any means but Desi being replaced by a GE reject like mcnerney is when this company began its inevitable descent into being the toxic dump it is today. I see. The ending will be 4 or 5 smaller companies, a few that may thrive if they hire from outside and not a GE person. One or two will go down the road of Imation.

For those still waiting for the axe, force 3M to give you a package. You deserve even more but force them to at least pay you to leave.

I had to look up SIRP. Salaried Involuntary Reduction Process. Rather clinical, sterile term for a very personal event.

I was one of those hired in the 80’s (1981) when 3M was THE place to work in the Twin Cities. I progressed up the ranks freely giving my blood, sweat, and hours to the job just like those around me. This was my career and I took it seriously. Unfortunately I was let go unceremoniously in 2015 after 35 years on the job.

In fact my last full day at work was at the NYSE on the podium ringing the bell representing 3M. That Thursday I was whisked off in a corporate jet to and from Holman Field to New York with two senior executives and 9 other employees that had made large donations to United Way to be on that trip. Yep. I’m that guy. Friday was a different story.

Next day the Cottage Grove Site Director and Site HR Manager show up at my door and go through my options as I find out I am one of 2000 people being let go. Both the Site Director and HR Manager were ill prepared to deliver the information I needed and to answer the questions I had. In fact the Site Director was almost flippant to me. Most of the answers I received regarding timing, deadlines, stock options, etc. were incorrect. I couldn’t think of two more incompetent people. And they kept their jobs!!! When they left I had a good cry alone in my office, told a few coworkers and went home. I retrieved my belongings on the weekend so I wouldn’t run into anybody.

I went through the stages of grief starting with Denial and Anger. Throw in some Depression because I was let go in winter with Thanksgiving and Christmas looming. I found another job fairly quickly and that helped with the depression. However the financial hit I still feel to this very day.

That was 8 years ago in 2015. I’m in a much better place (semi-retired), happy marriage, good health, loving family, etc. I’m here to say there is life after 3M. It will take each person the time it takes to get there but you can do it. It is a job and there is so much else to look forward to and enjoy.

Ford got wrapped up in impressing WS and ESG goals. They had similar lawsuits 20 years ago about releasing white males in their 50s and had to pay large settlements just like 3M.

Yes, there is life after 3M but it is sad for everyone hired in 1980s when 3M was a great place to work.