Permanent lay-off

[larry kremis]

I received phone calls today from 3 of my old trucking buddies. They got permanent lay off notices and were told to clean out their trucks, they were also told that they would be receiving a seperation packet in the mail explaining Cobra benefits. 2 of them turned 62 this year like me, so they can retire if they want, the other is only 43, he's the one I'm worried about. As far as I know, there were 2 others this week for at least 5 that were let go, the others are in their 40's also.

There is no rhyme nor reason that is apparent, other than, the company pays a yearly bonus around Christmas to the top earners. All of these guys were top earners. They did the work and took care of their equipment and their cement customers. To me, it looks like there's a pattern here.

Is it the American way now for businesses to have a "fuck loyalty" attitude? I believe so. The dollar numbers that are earned or saved for a company by employees who are conscientious, don't appear on a P&L sheet. Dollars saved by axing loyal, conscientious employees jump off of a P&L sheet. It makes management look good as the owners bury their heads in their bank accounts.

If I were ever to work again, I think I would try to work for a company where the owners were the managers. Like my old company used to be.

[larry kremis]

Yep, it's sad and scary Dottie.

[larry kremis]

You got that right Thomas, our country and it's citizens are really hurting right now. I'm glad you're able to hang in there, you're definately in the right industry.

Enjoy your furlough kevin, I hope it doesn't last too long though.

[Thomas Glenn]

A lot of layoffs around here in my area, too, larry k. Manufacturing is in a slow time. And if we aren't making the goods, you can't deliver them. It is all connected. I have been lucky. My company produces goods that are needed all the time,...heating and air units and parts, medical equipment. So we are still running full tilt. Others are hurting. I know truckers are hurting, too.

[larry kremis]

Excellant point Gary. Nothing wrong with the next couple of generations taking over, such is the circle of life. People will work for less now and give less. I wonder what their teaching our future business leaders in college, other than the stock market. I hope they're teaching a little about human nature.

[Stir Young]

Lar, the Boomers are being shown the door in a lot of industries....my story isn't much different than yours. We had about 30 years of running the show, and now the next generation has taken over. Frankly, people will work for less now, and that's what's driving it, I guess.