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IBM layoffs have begun

By VERONICA LINARES, UPI.com
IBM CEO Ginni Rometty. (Wikimedia Commons)
IBM CEO Ginni Rometty. (Wikimedia Commons)

Technology giant IBM was quick to begin laying off employees after announcing Wednesday that 6,000 to 8,000 people would lose their position with the company.

The layoffs are part of a $1billion restructuring plan following the company's dismal earning during the first quarter earning report.

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“Change is constant in the technology industry and transformation is an essential feature of our business model,” IBM said in a statement.

The dismissed employees from IBM's Essex Junction seem to get how the system works. However, they don't necessarily agree with it.

"Honestly, I saw it coming," one laid-off worker said. "All of my friends are there. It's like a second home."

"It's hard to deal with the fact that the layoffs are basically saying the shareholders are more important than the employees," the worker added.

The worker, an electrical engineer who chose to remain anonymous, had been working with IBM's Big Blue for 15 years.

After hearing the news about the layoffs, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin pledged to utilize his administration's resources to help employees during their transition.

"The Vermont Department of Labor has mobilized its rapid response team and is prepared to assist all laid off workers," he added.

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According to the Department of Labor, they have 12 people ready to handle the hundreds of job seekers who need their help. In addition, the state has several job training offices ready to assist if needed.

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