IBM Stops Disclosing US Headcount Data 377
theodp writes "ComputerWorld reports that IBM has stopped providing breakouts on US employees, closing a door to data that provided insights into the bellwether company's employment shift. In its latest Annual Report, Big Blue only provides its global headcount, and an IBM spokesman confirmed that disclosure of US headcount is a thing of the past. The Rochester Institute of Technology's Ron Hira called the US workforce data critical for policymakers trying to understand the dynamics of offshoring. 'By hiding its offshoring, IBM is doing a disservice to America — through omission the company is providing misleading labor market signals and information to policy makers,' Hira said. Ironically, CEO Sam Palmisano's Letter to Shareholders, which accompanied the Annual Report, touts how IBM's Analytics and 'Smarter Planet' efforts are empowering US government decision-makers. Nondisclosure domestically and abroad seems to be the new rule of thumb for Big Tech, sparking calls for government intervention." IBM laid off about 10,000 US workers last year, and 2,900 so far this year, according to the Alliance@IBM, a labor union.
Re:ibm isn't an american company anymore (Score:4, Funny)
fuck ibm, treat it like a foreign entity with questionable and dubious agendas.
You mean, allow it to spend unlimited funds in U.S. political campaigns?
Re:Wow. Offshoring... (Score:5, Funny)
What level of unemployment should we reach in the united states before the government can act to protect its citizens?
When the unemployed band together and buy a few senators I'm sure we will see some action on this.
Good Thing (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Wow. Offshoring... (Score:3, Funny)
There, fixed that for you.
(Note to Carnivore: it's a joke.)
Re:Mao no longer makes a good bogie man (Score:5, Funny)
It is not in their interest to have an eductaed populace.
OMG, it's an assertion that comes with its own evidence!
Re:Speaking as an IBMer... (Score:3, Funny)
We already have over 100k in India,
IBM's internal company cricket team is like totally going to trounce the competition!
and we're ramping up in Argentina and Brazil.
Yo, and in soccer (US), football (rest of the planet) as well!
I guess IBM sees these sports as "growth potential."
Maybe the world's governments need to investigate IBM's plan for world domination of sports.
Re:I've never joined a union but .. (Score:4, Funny)
Did you cry when the dinosaurs died?