With regard to management layoffs...there has been lots of chatter and speculation about how the severance plan will eventually be cut (currently tops out at 6 months depending on years of service). It's becoming clearer what the new direction is. In ATO, while most are aware of McElfresh's proclamation that "most of the layoffs are behind us"...they are now changing folks work locations as a result of "Project Collaboration". I.E. people are being informed they now need to report to location X 5 days a week, either by Dec of this year or next year (depending on the distance from your current location). This is clearly an effort to shed additional headcount through attrition...they know many will not relocate on their own dime and or travel a couple hours to work each way every day. When you do not wish to comply with the new work location assignment, you are essentially quitting and you are entitled to 0 (zero) severance. So to all of the many good folks that were hit in the last couple years, you were probably fortunate in that at least you got your severance. This is the new tactic. And it is despicable. And don't misunderstand...I get that the company has the right to pull folks back into the office and revise their telecommuting policy. I have no issue with it (other than the lie about WHY they are doing it). This current tactic, where you have someone working in a location, even when there are others there to "collaborate" with there, and uproot them telling them they need to either move or undertake a completely unreasonable commute to report to location where there might not even be the ideal groups to "collaborate" with is transparent in it's intent, and just wrong.
13 replies (most recent on top)
Similar story here. I'm an approved full time teleworker and have worked from home for over 10 years. I was told that the company wants me to consider moving to an office location > 250 miles away to sit in an office five days a week where no one in my work group resides. I am close to a company approved satellite zone but they do not consider it an "approved" work location. For the past six months I've been waiting to see how this plays out. I have an exit plan and do not plan on moving to a new city with no guarantee that the company wouldn't surplus me after I move.
I hear you, but 62 miles round trip isn't really that bad compared to what is being done to some folks. I know of someone that is currently full time office in a location close to their house, where they sit with a handful of other ATO folks. They're being told they need to commute to a larger location 90 miles away daily. There is no one in their workgroup at the new location. The whole thing is a farce, and it's shameful and sleazy. Also, still no answer on the question as to whether or not someone that chooses not to report to the new location more than 50 miles away will be laid off and thus entitled to severance. My guess is that this is a thinly veiled attempt to cheat folks on that front as well. They're going to say that you quit, or they'll fire you so that you don't get your severance.
This is solely anti employee and just to punish employees to quit, sure there are gonna be ash hole here saying u can always quit.. well fooocker if uve invested so much in this company,u cant just quit..
I know this because im driving 62 miles roundtrip and i asked to be transferred to the office nearby my house like 20 miles and real estate told me no because that place is considered as "non priority " location.. wtf does that even mean??? I am not against coming to work every dam day, but why does it matter where i report to? whether i report to another att location as long as im not at home???
So cut their BS, this is to make everyone quit.. and like what ive been always saying. I am not quitting... im putting in 3-4hrs of work a day and being paid 8 because i cant hear myself think when im surrounded by people dropping in and out of my cubicle. Im collaborating alright.
@fjt "And no promise you won't get axed after you move."
Anybody who at this point in time decides it makes good sense to relocate on their own dime to stay employed here deserves what they get. In fact, if I was making the decisions I'd let them go first just for fun.
They change the rules of the Game of Layoff every quarter to keep people confused. Since when did zip code become a metric? Global Ordering cut the remote folks in Dec of 2018 and said you needed to be in Atlanta or New Jersey. In March of 2019, they let many of them go. So not sure what the excuse will be in June ...good luck to all management and Union...
@hjb "I see people let go under the guise of location and collaboration when really what's happening is their job functions are being outsourced and/or off-shored. "
OP here. I have no doubt that is happening, but not in my group. Offshore folks are not doing any of our work. All that happens with us is that those that remain end up doing more and more with reduced headcount.
OP excellent post. The problem in ATO with this telecommuting is the policy is different depending on the manager, which is causing resentment to many. As one group was told, if you have a long commute consider moving. Anyone who voluntarily moves for this company is taking a huge gamble. The goal is to wear us down to the point where people quit. But what is really happening is people have changed their attitude & work ethic to a ‘don’t care anymore ‘ approach. Those who worked extra hours from home now put in less than the minimum in the office. Not to mention the stress & financial implications of commuting. The logic of collaboration is flawed & not a one size fits all. But, management doesn’t care. Sad we’re reduced to our work product being measured on where you sit, your badge swipes & VPN time.
I see people let go under the guise of location and collaboration when really what's happening is their job functions are being outsourced and/or off-shored. Ultimately everyone is just a cost in a spreadsheet to this company. It doesn't matter what yours skills are or how hard you work or what you accomplish. If they can find someone in a third world country to do it for a fraction of the cost, they are going to do it. The trick is to stay one step ahead or gain the skills and experience to make you marketable to other companies after you get cut.
Location, location and location.
The severance wouldn’t be a surprise. Started awhile ago. Company looked out in the market place and decided to try and bring benefits more in line. Severance went from a year to 6 months. We are paying more of our benefits. No pension other than 401K for Mgmt. Some on this board have been lucky enough to leave and get something comparable but unless you have the paper or a lot of techie skills that is probably not going to happen. My nephew took a job for less money just to get better benefits. Wasn’t in the least p-ss-d. Just the way things are now.
I was let go after 33 years. Customer loved me. Always got 9 & 10 responses on my customer surveys. I haven’t had a one on one with my manager in over a year and yet he decided I was to be surplus even though I got good reviews etc. it is AT&Ts loss. I am however still looking and getting to relax some!
we are considered management, but we are just peons like everyone else, out team was decimated, 12 experienced competent professionals 50+ years of age, with average 23 years of service, were cut, and in their replaced place young newbies, without any experience... soo sad
And no promise you won't get axed after you move.