Today is Labor Day in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Labor says Labor day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas summed up the social and economic achievements of American tech workers recently. Their report stated that in the first half of 2012, layoffs in the technology sector hit their highest levels since 2009. There were more than 51,000 cuts announced by the end of June.
According to CRN, most of the layoffs came from the biggest firms. (rb- I kept a butcher’s toll of tech layoffs in 2009. The first half of 2012 seems just as grim.)
HP – Leads the body count in 2012 with its planned 27,000-plus layoffs. HP (HPQ) made the announcement in May, saying it would cut about 8% of its workforce over the next two years.
Nokia – The downward spiral continues for Nokia (NOK) with the announcement that it will slash 10,000 jobs. The NYT estimated the cuts to be around 19% of its worldwide workforce, by the end of 2013.
Sony In April Sony (SNE) said it would slash about 6 percent of its global workforce. That about 10,000 job cuts in an effort called “One Sony.” The cuts are said to refocus the company around its digital imaging, gaming, and mobile businesses. Sony also announced cuts at Sony Mobile Communications its mobile handset division. They plan to lay off 15% of its workforce or about 1,000 people. According to TechCrunch, the process is due to complete by March 2014.
Google – In a long-expected move, Google (GOOG) confirmed it would ax about 4,000 jobs from its Motorola Mobility subsidiary. This cut represents about 20% of Motorola’s 20,000-employee headcount. Google said that some 90 former Motorola facilities would be closed down.
Panasonic – In May, Panasonic (PCRFY) announced it would cut another 7,000 staff after announcing in April 2011 plans to cut 17,000 jobs over two years.
Research In Motion – Former king of smartphones, Research In Motion (RIMM) has suffered setback after setback in the face of Apple and Android competition. RIM early this year warned of workforce reductions, and in mid-June, several reports held that those reductions had already begun, in small batches of 10-or-so employees. New reports in August stated that RIM will cut some 3,000 other jobs this month.
Olympus – CNET reports that Olympus (OCPNY) will cut 2,700 employees from its global workforce between now and March 31, 2014.
Yahoo – Back in April Yahoo (YHOO) cut about 2,000 employees across all the major units of the company. CRN speculates that Yahoo’s job cutting will grow as new CEO Marissa Mayer gets her feet wet.
Lexmark – Lexmark (LXK), the printer maker is jettisoning its inkjet printers and laying off 1,700 workers as paper becomes increasingly passe in an age of online photo albums on Internet hangouts like Facebook and Pinterest according to MercuryNews.com.
Cisco – In mid-July, Cisco (CSCO) confirmed 1,300 more job cuts, about 2 percent of its global workforce.
Activision – Activision (ATVI) subsidiary Blizzard Entertainment, maker of World of Warcraft announced that it will cut its global workforce by 600 employees Gamespot reported in February.
Best Buy – CNET reports that the retail giant has decided to cut 650 Geek Squad workers. Best Buy (BBY) confirmed to Minneapolis-St. Paul news station KARE 11 the nationwide layoffs were effective August 1.
Logitech – the $2.3 billion peripherals king has had Logitech’s financial struggles. In June, Logitech (LOGI) said it would cut about 450 jobs, roughly 13 percent of its global workforce.
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- Hewlett-Packard’s Labor Pains on Labor Day (boiseweekly.com)
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.
