Clients not happy as IBM is 'shifting service delivery model to DEDICATED EMPLOYEE WORKFORCE'...
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/05/26/ibm_asks_contractors_to_take_a_pay_cut/
Multiple IBM contractors in Australia have contacted The Register to say IBM has told them their rates will be cut, by ten per cent or more. The consequences of refusing the pay cut are unclear. We understand that the offer is not being made to all contractors, but cannot say if it is confined to Australia or more widespread. For what it is worth your story about the contractor freeze started with Australian sources but was quickly confirmed from other nations.