Thread regarding IBM layoffs

Anyone over 50 is much better off just taking high $ contract work and pack their 401k's and IRA's as much as possible. Sticking around IBM making crumbs is not advised. These are your earning years, not the yearning years. Don't stick around hoping for more money to come along like a fool.

The IBMwatchdog ( #ibmwatchdog ) would like to remind everyone that ibmsux and bigbluesux.

@ehz I got a very sudden goodbye email 2 weeks ago from a colleague similar to your profile. Over 55 and CAAMS, good reputation internally and externally. After his departure I am now one of three non-H1B, non-BRIC on my team and you bet I see the writing on the wall. All H1B and BRIC staff on my team are over 45 with many over 50. I just find it interesting that the age thing never seems to apply to them.

I wish you the best, and if you actually happen to be my colleague I’m talking about then you should know you are missed tremendously.

This is not anything specific to IBM. Over 50 workers are NOT wanted by corporations in US. It is always assumed that a 50 year can be replaced by a H1B or a younger worker who would be paid less. What happens to the project etc is irrelevant as by the time that is realized, the decision maker would have moved on.

@ean pay is much less for consultants in EU markets than in the US, but agree that we desperately need job protection for white collar workers in the US. IBM is one of many companies committing rampant abuses in an environment that lacks any oversight or control.

With no union contract you are just e helping hand in a right to work state.

An inconsequential number to the slave-master who can fire you at will for no reason.

If you have no family to think of and temporary work is your thing then IBM is perfect for you.

IBM can layoff workers at any age when skills are lacking or pay level doesn't match the value provided by an employee. That's the deal we sign-up for. IBM simply has to pay reasonable severance.

In Sweden - where IBM has abandoned most operations - you must pay three years salary and/or provide retraining and/or prove that no new job opening is appropriate. The national trade unions, that all professionals belong to, provide the protection that would not otherwise be offered by an employer. Much of Europe has similar protection through governments and/or trade unions. In Canada, you can expect around 24 months severance.

In the US, you are legally entitleed to as little as zero severance. Is IBM really the only problem here?

Would like to see a study into the demographics of H1Bs. Every single one I know is over the age of 40, many over the age of 50.

I was over 55 with good track record and good skills. But was “retired” by IBM this year. Part of CAAMS business. All about saving $$$ to pay for Redhat acquisition and mange EPS. Based on Wall Street analysts, looks like a desperation play.

Bain was supposed to clean up a few layers of management I thought.

I keep seeing the zombies running around my center with nothing to do all day.