It seems to be no surprise for us older workers at IBM. Our company was bought by IBM a year ago. Only two weeks after our 1 year anniversary, 300-400 of the 1300 employees that were acquired were laid off. Amazing how so many are over 50. Many are working 5-6 projects at a time so you know their skills are very relevant. How can this be? Is IBM seriously going to say these employees skills are not relevant? They cannot. They did not say why, only when. It shocks me that they are keeping the targeted laid off personnel, that are active, to continue working until their projects are completed by year end and then give them a month off, right before the holidays. There is no shame in this company. Big Blue is not what it used to be decades ago. I had no say in the matter in my group. I was told who was laid off and to tell them their end date. Most of the employees saw this coming based on other companies IBM has acquired and did the same exact thing to one year later. Thanks a lot for continuing to ruin your reputation IBM.
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Comment from an acquired company is correct. IBM bought a company for its software tools and methodology. They were told they would still be a company within a company and no real changes.
They learned very quickly they had to comply with IBM standard processes. The first was when I deployed IBM imaged laptops and no longer their own. They used to use their own travel agents then learned had to use amex travel and associated flight restrictions and max food per destination city.
After the guaranteed employment period. They dropped like flies. Blue pages for the group got smaller and smaller.
I'm over 50 and was caught up in this same RA. I do believe the OP as the youngest affected person I could find is in late 40s. The 6 or so people I've spoken to are all over 50, one is even 63. (Elo)
The squad I was just moved to could have really used a engineer like myself. No doubt, looking at the team now that w3 has been updated, I was the oldest.
Let me think, one entire month on salary with that massive .5% annual increase or opting in to the class action lawsuit, IBM must equate age with stupidity.
I think IBM must have also licensed the Home for the Holidays RIF plan from VZ. At least VZ was an equal opportunity RIFer, anyone with a pulse would get affected.
Good luck to the other Ramgate folks, this is just the beginning.
They always do this.
Yes - the jettison of older workers who cost more money is commonplace and the big corporations seem to get away with it. Im shocked there arent more lawsuits, especially given that separated employees are forced to sign documents under duress for fear of losing whatever little benefit they are being offered.
"Amazing how so many are over 50."
How many? How many would be "fair"?
Maybe we can have a town hall to discuss this?
Or better yet, how about have one of those cronies visit our site and spout a bunch of BS?
No Fungin thanks
Insist on getting detailed demographics of laid off employees like they used to disclose. If IBM refuses, which they will, do not sign away your right to participate in a class action law suit as part of a very small severance you will be offered (probably 30 days pay). There are several class action suits based on age discrimination in the works and they are gaining momentum. Your odds are better with a class action suit and that is what scares IBM.
Ginny is scum. Bain now runs IBM too. Just sue them for discrimination!
I think you should all join the class action lawsuit going on right now.
Are you a first-line manager?