So much for jobs recovery

[Az]

Just had a meeting in my company (major multinational autosupplier). We were told that the numbers are not coming up to where they expected and that due to the errors of the forcasts 150 employees on 2 campasses will have to be let go.

The message is do more with less. This has been the contiuous message now for some time. It will continue to be the message for the forseeable future. The cost is born on the backs of the workers. Deregulation has escalated the profit cycle meaning that there is now a rush to burn the infrastructure to keep the profits and more importantly the stock price escalating at a continuous pace. Applying the brakes means there will be an economic collapse. It will not stop until entropy sets in.

[lovedems]

1. My step dad has worked for caterpillar for 35 years and they are

demanding more for less as well. For the first time I think his union feels powerless to get a fair contract. They are looking at a new contract in April 2004 and he said things don't look good at all and the union feels powerless.

He may have to retire (he is 56 and not ready to retire) just to save his 35 year pension. That is how bad it is. He is stressing and feels like he is in a no win situation.