Does the current crisis affect your company?

[Slappy]

Yep, had our first round of layoffs here before the Holiday break. We're about a 110-person company, and it was 8 people total that got it, and a few of those were long-time employees of 10 years plus. We haven't had hour cuts yet, but that used to be the norm. This time they said that they didn't expect things to get better any time soon so the layoffs were necessary.

In the prep department here, it's only me & one other guy. I honestly don't know how safe we are though. In theory, each one of us could do the other's job - and he could do more of mine than the opposite. I think I make more money than him, so I'm trying to find ways to make myself as valuable as possible but you never really know wtf they're thinking.

I'd almost hope that 2nd shift bears the brunt of the next round, if it comes to that. Scary shit, how anybody can NOT think it's a crisis is beyond me.

[ninjaPB_43]

We haven't had layoffs yet, but they also aren't bringing in nearly the temps they used to for the bindery..  We still have enough work to keep the presses rolling, but it too has thinned drastically.  I'm not nearly as worried about losing my job here as I am finding a new one when I have to move this summer for Kym's 4th yr externship(which is also being affected, because Audiologist/hospitals aren't taking 4th yr students)...   Only time will tell.

[Possum]

We're so small we can't layoff, but my hours have been cut. My other job, for a weekly shopper, is in dire straights. Just finished the smallest issue in 16 years, the owner said. If she gives it up, I don't know what I'll do. She's already skipped several issues over the past two months – no issue, no paycheck.

[Santa]

We are all family here and a couple of employees who might as well be so layoffs won't ever be an option. Being a partner/worker the pressure never really seams to stop.  Praying for overtime work for the extra $$ needed at home, but then have to worry about payroll here and having the $$ to pay the overtime.  Catch-22 at it's finest.
I just get so PISSED off at all this bailout money going to these banks and they just sit on it.  A big financial company we print for got a couple billion of our tax dollars and then goes and cancels $50K worth of printing with us.  Isn't that what the bailout was for...to let the banks spread the money out.  All it seems that they are doing is stuffing it away.
Should have staid in the liquor biz.  
Times are good-People drinkTimes are bad- People drink

[Joe]

We are all family here and a couple of employees who might as well be so layoffs won't ever be an option. Being a partner/worker the pressure never really seams to stop.  Praying for overtime work for the extra $$ needed at home, but then have to worry about payroll here and having the $$ to pay the overtime.  Catch-22 at it's finest.
I just get so PISSED off at all this bailout money going to these banks and they just sit on it.  A big financial company we print for got a couple billion of our tax dollars and then goes and cancels $50K worth of printing with us.  Isn't that what the bailout was for...to let the banks spread the money out.  All it seems that they are doing is stuffing it away.
Should have staid in the liquor biz. 
Times are good-People drinkTimes are bad- People drink

No it was actually so executive retreats, perks, salary, stock options, and bonuses would not be interrupted. Uncle George takes care of his buddies.

We just had a large customer fold up today bankrupt and another has ceased printing because the owner is headed to the slammer. It's getting darker and darker around here.

[hotmetal]

So far so good.

This company was founded during the depression and historically thrives during bad times. I think I'm ok. Good luck to you all.

[Chelle]

My supervisor made this comment yesterday: If we're this busy now (typically a slower time), what's it going to be like in the summer?

Yup. I'm counting myself among the lucky. Good luck to you all, as HM said.

[ratintrap]

We just found out that a large manufacturer that recently set up shop here has filed chapter 11. At least part of the reason is because when they designed their equipment, they failed to take into account the winter weather we have around here.


-Rat

[Chelle]

We just found out that a large manufacturer that recently set up shop here has filed chapter 11. At least part of the reason is because when they designed their equipment, they failed to take into account the winter weather we have around here.


-Rat

Sorry... But it's funny. It's like the people around here not having block heaters and wondering why their cars won't start on days like today... When it's -39.

[KappAdv]

We are getting hit pretty good here in PA.  However compared to last January it's about the same.  So that's not too bad.  Even so we just had "the talk" last Tuesday.  All full time employees will now work no longer than 32 hours a week.  No 401k match and no raises.  The good news is for anyone else in a similar boat you may still qualify for partial Unemployment Compensation.  So look into that if you had your hours cut.

[born2print]

Nice tip Kapp.
We also have had our 401k match killed, first time ever. No raises for salary, but yes (individual results may vary) raises for hourly is the official word so far.

[beck]

We are all family here and a couple of employees who might as well be so layoffs won't ever be an option. Being a partner/worker the pressure never really seams to stop.  Praying for overtime work for the extra $$ needed at home, but then have to worry about payroll here and having the $$ to pay the overtime.  Catch-22 at it's finest.
I just get so PISSED off at all this bailout money going to these banks and they just sit on it.  A big financial company we print for got a couple billion of our tax dollars and then goes and cancels $50K worth of printing with us.  Isn't that what the bailout was for...to let the banks spread the money out.  All it seems that they are doing is stuffing it away.
Should have staid in the liquor biz.  
Times are good-People drinkTimes are bad- People drink

No it was actually so executive retreats, perks, salary, stock options, and bonuses would not be interrupted. Uncle George takes care of his buddies.

Only few more days until the beating of the dead horse can cease.  Then it'll all rainbows & unicorns.<br>beck

[Joe]

Naw, I can beat that dead horse for years to come.

[beck]

C'mon, everything will be so f _ _ kng rosy you'll forget all about your "Dark Times".<br>beck

[gnubler]

I don't want to sound like a queer or nothing, but I think unicorns are kickass.

Rainbows are okay.