Local Tech Wire 

IBMers speak out – Layoffs leave them ‘scared’ or ‘screwed’

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — "Rick, IBM is firing people at RTP today … fact.”

“Look at the allianceibm.org Web site. Notifications have been going on all day. Started less than 24 hours after those glorious results were posted publicly. …”

“You got this story all wrong, Rick, sheeezzz. Check allianceibm please.”

“Your Tech Wire story about IBM RTP [Wednesday] leads me to think that the ‘spin’ they are giving you does not match reality. Many people in several departments in several divisions located in RTP were notified today (1/21) that they have 30 days to find a new job.”

“IBM started laying off people in the Triangle today. I was one of them.”

The notes came signed “scared” and “screwed,” among other things. Most were sent anonymously. Anyone caught talking to the media is subject to dismissal and loss of severance benefits.

IBM acknowledged Wednesday that a “resource action” – RA, read "find a new job within IBM or be terminated" – was under way in its North America operations. The Skinny, noting that Big Blue made no announcement about layoffs in its earnings call on Tuesday, said it appeared that perhaps a reprieve was at hand – even if temporarily.

As the day passed Wednesday, the e-mail starting coming to WRAL.com and Local Tech Wire about the layoffs. Many notices also began showing up on the Alliance@IBM union Web site, with the Software Group (SWG) suffering the most damage.

Some samples for you to read – and to ponder:

“Software Group across the US has apparently been hit today. No word of how big the cuts but have seen at least 15% in parts here in RTP. Management has been shuffling select employees around to new projects since early December here in RTP and now are making cuts in the groups those select people were safely removed from.”

“RA today in SWG at RTP.North Carolina.”

“I was called into a room this morning thinking the worst. All he would say is ibm is having an RA today and that I was not affected. He would not tell me a anything else like percentages, etc when I pressed him.”

“For those of us that will RA'd, remain upbeat and positive. IBMers are the most dedicated and brightest people around and hold your head up high and be optimistic about the future. Most IBMers who leave do better on the outside. It was an honor to work with you all!”

“34 S&D Employees in NY area notified today - 30 days to find a job. All of Executive Business Institute. A real kick in the face after announcing record earning and record profits.”

“Bedford MA: IBM Tivoli software division is announcing job cuts today.”

“I got hit today. Div 12 SWG sales. … Separation date is Feb 23rd. Severance = 2 weeks for every 6 months served. Package being delivered over night.”

How many of you would want to receive that kind of package?

The Skinny

WRAL Local Tech Wire Publisher and Editor Rick Smith dishes out tidbits from the local technology sector. Read more articles…