I don't think anybody here buys the 500 as the actual number of people who'll be laid off today. I'm willing to bet you that's just the media friendly number and we'll see a much higher number of people actually walk out today and tomorrow.
Ford will stick with its 500, though, so I don't think we'll ever really know how bad this week is going to be.
Thanks for reporting more than just the management spin on the layoffs, Phoebe.
Agreed. I have heard from our LL4 that the number is closer to 3700 in North America, not counting those who took the buyout. He heard this from our LL3
Why do you think it will be larger? Keep in mind 1,500 took buyouts late last year. So, really the salaried cuts are more like 2,300 including the 200 already laid off this year, and the 100 to come by June.
If you feel comfortable doing so, please keep me posted on what you see in the many buildings that will have layoff activity today. Also, I'll be tweeting anything I learn and confirm in real time. I'm so sorry to be reaching out. My goal is to provide fair and thorough coverage of this difficult time. Respectfully, Phoebe Wall Howard at The Detroit Free Press
phoward@freepress.com or 313-618-1034 or Twitter @phoebesaid