Most of these threads the last few weeks have been obvious LARP's in order to wind people up or push a particular point of view. In essence, the have been useless for the thousands of employees now facing an uncertain future. Here is what can now be disclosed:
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If you are a retail employee (hourly or salary) the clock is ticking. Approximately 40% of retail employees will lose their jobs in the next week or so, there will also likely be no severance (though you will get paid your hours worked). Your positions are no longer needed, since retail will be liquidated, so no reason to cultivate goodwill among employees (and since retail employees are most of Sears, savings on severance will be significant).
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A few parts of the business deemed "profitable" will be kept running in the interim, some employees let go from these parts of the business may likely receive severance as a "bridge" so that they can potentially be brought back once a sale is complete. This will primarily be salaried employees. However it is in Sears best interest to keep these few departments intact (losing employees means losing the skill and experience necessary for transition, making the department(s) less attractive to buyer(s)).
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Retail employees, tomorrow is likely to be a dark day. Many of you may have jobs thru the end of the year, but your hours will most likely be cut. Stores that do remain open during that time will be kept limping along with a skeleton crew. Some retail managers (store and regional) could receive severance offers if they agree to remain on board thru a certain date (but only for those deemed necessary). Hourly employees are likely out of luck.
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All Sears employees (no matter department) need to arrange emergency plans, ensure you have been updating your resume, and hopefully you had the foresight to build something of a savings. Most state unemployment benefits are a pittance at best, though for unskilled labor, with the holiday hiring period here, you should be able to find a similar position (even if only seasonal). For managers and skilled employees, the transition will likely be more difficult in finding a similar position elsewhere (depending on where in the country you are located).
Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone during this difficult time.