plus@wrangler.WLK.COM (ATplusT PC63xx Mailing list) (05/10/91)
In article wescott@nncrcae.Columbia.NCR.COM writes: }NCR and AT&T employees were treated to a closed circuit TV show with }AT&T chairman Allen, NCR's Exley and Williamson announced the deal to }the employees and then held a news conference to discuss the deal. Well, to be precise, the AT&T employees present were AT&T *Computer Systems* employees. The phone/LD people were not really to interested. There's even been a little internal whining from the phone folks about "Why do we have to keep hearing about this NCR stuff?" (sigh) }A question on layoffs was pretty much ducked by all. For what it's worth, let me fill you in on what's happened here. In my group, we have had a substantial (around 50%) reduction in personnel since shortly after the announcement of the merger offer. We are a field sales office. I hear all sorts of stories about people calling someone in New Jersey who was on the job last week only to learn that that person has moved on to a new assignment, outside of CS. Additionally, various programs and committments have been announced with regards to whatever AT&T-CS employees that would not be transferred to NCR. For example, all CS employees who stay on board until they are either (1) transferred to NCR, (2) transferred elsewhere in AT&T or (3) "surplused" (AT&T-ese for notice of potential layoff) will receive a substantial bonus. I think the smallest bonus is 5% of salary. For sales people (like myself) it can be much more, depending on 1991 results. This has been committed in writing. It's fairly unprecedented in AT&T and, I would venture to guess, in any other company as well. I strongly suspect, although I have heard nothing, that the union will not end up in NCR. The CWA has been a handicap for us. Our best and brightest technicians end up getting laid off due to low seniority while some real losers stay on. }From other questions it seems that there will be no immediate change }in NCR employee benefits, pension plans, or unionization. For some guidance, I looked at a couple of other, smaller AT&T acquisitions over the past few years. Paradyne was acquired by AT&T in 1989. From what I hear, they still pretty much run the way they used to. Product lines were integrated and MOST PRODUCTS CONTINUED for some time. I think that is an important point. Willy-nilly discontinuance of products from either NCR or AT&T-CS would do nothing but hurt the combined entity. Let's face it, most of this stuff has about a two year life cycle anyways. That's when transitions to a single unified line should be made. Regarding benefits, I do not think Paradyne employees get free long distance service. AT&T management employees are reimbursed for the first $35 of long distance and get a 50% discount on the next $65 each month. Easylink, a former division of Western Union was acquired by AT&T in 1990. It was merged with AT&T Mail. As of this writing, the two mail networks are still separate entities maintained by an organization made up of former WU and AT&T employees. I think this division is a little closer to being within the fold than Paradyne. I believe all benefits of AT&T cover the AT&T Easylink organization. By the way, AT&T is in the process of overhauling it's benefit package. (read that: They're cutting benefits) One thing common to both acquisitions, and something I am surprised we haven't heard about so far, is a "non-aggression pact". I.E., sales people should not go out and bad mouth the other party and try to manipulate sales one way or the other. I have heard that some of that has occurred already. It's not productive and I feel that bad-mouthing should be reserved for people that really deserve it. Like IBM. At any rate, I'd love to hear from NCR folks about what's going on over there. Ed Hopper - AT&T Computer Systems ehopper@attmail.com ehopper@ehpcb.wlk.com Voice:713-968-5267 BBS:713-997-7575