423 summed this whole thing up perfectly. Claiming an improvement in customer service while getting rid of the experts and faculty contacts of the store is indeed "ludicrous " management.

Regarding the comment by poster 397, people have the right, and should take advantage of that right, to express their opinions when they've been treated so despicably by a company they've worked at for years. To arrive in the morning as usual and a... — read more 

There should be no fear or intimidation on this site. If HR/Management has the time to track IP addresses of posters on here, it is a clear indication the company has already failed, and they are the ones fearing for their job security.

Ok the person throwing out the fear post about nothing being private must be in HR or management. They are skilled at controlling through fear. To those freaking out that Follett won't allow unemployment, I'm pretty sure it will be fine. They don't... — read more 

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/59973-follett-lays-off-570-bookstore-employees.html

How about calling somebody a liar or even worse?

What exactly about expressing these opinions meets the criteria for libel? If the opinions expressed below can be considered libel, then every news show host should be in jail...correct?

I see elements of libel here. Some of the comments are derogatory. You guys are putting yourself in danger of being responsible for both offenses, if you listened to news lately you'll notice that nothing can be hidden

I wonder how long it took Bob Scholl (et al.) to concoct the ridiculously implausible LIE he spewed out last Friday. In our store, they laid-off the three people who had the MOST customer contact; and, not coincidentally, they happened to be the same... — read more 

I agree that there's serious brain drain happening. Going back to March, the good folk started leaving on their own and it has been continuing ever since. Notice the good ones always have a lot of choice of where to go next. How long before a ton... — read more 

You question should be: How many people is Follett going to let go in 2014. 2013 is done, do not look back...

Anyone has an idea?

Says one thing to your face and then walks over to someone else's office and says the opposite. I personally don't have an issue with ML as what she is doing was expected given the company has been sliding downhill for so long. I kind of feel this is... — read more 

What state are you in

If you in any way work with Pete Ernst out of OB, watch yourself. I have never met anyone who lies about every little detail as much as this man, and he will do anything to save his own ass. I am so out of here.

November 30. Not only that just got back from unemployment office, if we sign the agreement ( which is a "voluntary reduction of force") we are saying that we quit! We may or may not get unemployment. It doesnt matter what they have in writing. The... — read more 

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Follett for helping me realize how very lucky I've been to work elsewhere.

What a surprise, Follett is not listed anywhere on this list of 126 top places to work in Illinois. I can't believe it. Whoever at HO that is monitoring this site, please read this and take a few pointers from companies that actually care about their... — read more 

Another full time hourly employee got the axe this morning. Probably the smart thing to do. Older staff drive up our health insurance costs too much.

Like minds, Anonymous 352 and 353. My vote: IRON!

http://www.follett.com/lb_mary.cfm

http://www.follett.com/images/ml.jpg

How is the Starship Enterprise doing this fine Tuesday morning? Floating weightless?

People are scared. I can tell you that working in the home office can make you a nervous type. The games there are ridiculous. It doesn't matter how loyal you are or how hard you work. It's about being a submissive puppet and play the managers games... — read more 

Is there a Facebook group. What's in called? I'll join. Those f***ers already laid me off, what more can they do?

I kid you not... it reads " eFollett® - Official Site www.eFollett.com Rent, Buy New, Used or Digital. Fast Delivery or Pick-Up in Store. "

There are only 20 people brave enough... or with settings secure enough... to recommend this page. I am telling all my current and former FHEG coworkers about this site verbally as well as via my facebook page. But there is real fear out there the... — read more 

Cobra is close to $1K if you have family w/kids

So 600 folks got laid off and we have a handful of messages here - it's a shame and in a way what can we expect when everyone just accepts it and keeps quiet. If we were to be vocal at least someone would read all this frustration that some of us... — read more 

Cobra but how to afford over $400 with NO job.

It is highly ironic that these layoffs were done ostensibly in the name of increasing customer service and "customer facing hours". Those laid off were largely ASMs, CSMs and floor operations team leads. Who exactly do they think does the... — read more 

AMEN BROTHER!

I doubt that may people would sign up - look at this page, thousands of messages but less than 20 Facebook links

I think you are missing the point of the posts here. I do not speak for the group but I feel that anyone who worked under Jim Baumann or Chris Traut are sad to see the company go south. Follett was once a great place to work and had awesome annual... — read more 

Someone should set up a Facebook group for Follett Alumni- to stay in touch/ network.

How many people got axed last week? Anyone?