Heinz offers buyout to Pittsburgh employees (2014, home, buy)

[captainmidnight]

Heinz offers buyout to majority of Pittsburgh-area workforce - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Gee, how nice of them.

"Heinz realizes that its new dynamic and results-driven culture, focused on efficiency and meritocracy, may not be the perfect fit for every employee," said Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate and government affairs.
Heinz continues to reiterate that it is not planning to abandon its hometown. Anyone who takes the buyout will be replaced, leaving the ketchup maker with the same size workforce in the region, according to the company."

This reads to me they want younger, more performance driven employees whom they can pay a lower salary. Basically, "We will replace you with someone cheaper". Maybe this is the first step in acquiring a more mobile workforce so they can move out of Pittsburgh someday? Its a shame..

If I worked there, I would be polishing my resume. Tough choice though. Take the buyout, get away form the culture, but who knows how long you will be looking for a job? Or keep the job and try to accept the culture change and be miserable?

[LIRefugee]

Recent reviews of Heinz on glassdoor.com make reference to a work-life balance that pays no attention to the second half of that equation, including weekly Sunday afternoon review meetings, the general expectation that everyone essentially works all the time, and obliterated worker morale that is bound to be obliterated even more with this buyout announcement.

[Caladium]

Five years ago I would have said "It's hard to find work now, so don't take the buy out and hang on." Sadly, I have seen several people get screwed by this idea. Seems like companies offer the buyout first--then a year later those who didn't take it will be given the shaft anyway. So, as much as I hate to say it, these days my attitude is if I was one of those workers I'd take the buyout while I could. It really, really stinks what they are doing to loyal employees who have been with companies for decades. But it's reality.

[Copanut]

My neighbor works there and has been looking for a job ever since the Boys from Brazil took over. One day they made everyone take any paper in/on their desks, scan them, then throw them away. One woman I know was fired on her way home via cell phone. Class act these guys are. Might be time to switch to Hunt's Catsup.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by Copanut

Might be time to switch to Hunt's Catsup.

I only use mustard. If people gave it a chance, I think they'd see it works better on fries.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Copanut

Might be time to switch to Hunt's Catsup.

That's a good idea! Maybe it's time for a boycott!

[AaronPGH]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

I only use mustard. If people gave it a chance, I think they'd see it works better on fries.

YES! I have been doing this since I was a kid. Mustard + fries fo lyfe.

[Caladium]

Get mustard made with tumeric, and you'll be helping your body combat Alzheimer's decades down the line. Also, try pesto. They sell a really good pesto at Costco, and it's also easy to make yourself.

Vinegar is also good on fries, and healthier that eating catsup. Plus, it's fun to eat things the "British" way.

[Hopes]

I love mustard, but I'm highly allergic to wasabi. Although all mustard doesn't have wasabi, I can't take the risk because it's a hidden ingredient as "spices" on the labels.

[doo dah]

You guys! Mayonnaise on fires! It is delicious!