Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2024 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ · WVTX
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Rumors Of IBM Layoffs No Longer A Cause Of High Anxiety In Vermont

Here’s something new: For the first time rumors of big layoffs at IBM are not a big worry for state officials and business and community leaders in Vermont.

For years rumors have often preceded layoffs at IBM and the company’s Essex facility has seen its share of job cuts.  

Now new reports may signal another round of IBM layoffs, but there’s none of the usual local anxiety.

That’s because most of the IBM workers are soon to be employed by GlobalFoundries, which is  taking over IBM’s chip manufacturing division, including the Essex plant, pending government approval.   

This week GlobalFoundries reiterated its pledge to keep current IBM workers on. 

"We have made employment offers to all of the current IBM employees who are covered under the terms of our acquisition deal for the Microelectronics Division," a GlobalFoundries spokesman said in an email. "The employment offers will take effect upon the close of the deal, which we expect to happen sometime this year."

Frank Cioffi, president of the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation says even after the acquisition, as many as several hundred Essex workers will be employed by IBM because of a production agreement with GlobalFoundries.

But Cioffi doubts future IBM layoffs will affect those workers.

“It’s possible but I don’t think it’s probable because the employees that are going to stay on with IBM are going to be ones that have very, very highly sophisticated skills,”he says.

Cioffi says there’s more certainty about the future of the Essex facility now that GlobalFoundries is taking it over.

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
Latest Stories