GML is Downsizing
“I know, Josef, I know.” Stass nodded his head slowly. “The layoffs. I remember you wanted to buy as much time as possible for our employees, but with the deflationary pressures degrading all aspects of GML operations, we really had no choice.”
Both men understood that in response to severe revenue shortfalls, the government had been forced to implement a strict regimen of austerity measures which in turn negatively affected all aspects of the economy. It seemed like just last month everyone was worried about inflation. But the real specter of financial insolvency was the deflation they were experiencing now. The United States hadn’t experienced a deflationary period since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
“I know it’s been hard on you, Ken.” Ranell hung his head. “That’s what makes this conversation so difficult. But it’s like you said, the deflationary pressure…”
Ranell didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. To his horror, Stass attempted to stifle an unexpected sob and then covered his face with his hands to hide his weeping.
Ranell sat quietly while his friend regained his composure.
“I’m sorry, Josef,” Stass wiped his eyes and sniffed. “But these layoffs have been killing me.”
“I know, Ken…”
Stass's eyes flashed incredulously, “No, you don't know!”
Ranell leaned back in shock as Stass gave voice to his pent-up frustrations.
“Do you know how many people I’ve had to fire in the last month?” He didn’t wait for Ranell to answer. “Two entire departments and over half of my executive staff. I've sent thirty-seven people into this economy with no insurance, no retirement, and no way to pay their bills. Nobody’s hiring out there. I’ve had people telling me they’re going to be out on the street!”
Ranell reeled with nausea as his guts tightened into knots. Inwardly, he fought for control over his emotions. Outwardly, he mumbled something about the GML severance package.
“That severance package is a joke, Josef. You know that.” Stass’ hands were now balled into fists, and a vein throbbed angrily on his forehead. “They’ve all got mortgages and car payments that they took out when prices and interest rates were sky high. It’s just a matter of time before the severance pay runs out. They’re gonna be ruined!” Hot tears once again glistened at the corner of Stass’ eyes.
I’ve completely lost control of this meeting, Ranell thought grimly, steeling his resolve. “Ken, the layoffs couldn't be helped. It's like you said, the deflationary pressure on GML is just too intense. We’re a logistics company, and nothing is moving out there. There’s simply no revenue stream to pay all our employees. We had to let them go.”
“That’s almost word-for-word what I’ve been telling the people I laid off,” Stass said glumly. His shoulders slumped dejectedly. He was a beaten man.
But in the next instant, Stass’ eyes squinted with cold suspicion. “Hey, why did you just tell me that, Josef?” Accusation dripped venomously from his next statement. “Why did you call this meeting, anyway? You said we had something we needed to discuss.”
Ranell felt the lurch and plunge of the conversation like descending a roller coaster. “Ken,” he forced himself to meet Stass’ incredulous gaze. “Ken, I hate to have to do this, but GML is downsizing. We’re cutting the planning department.”
“What?” Stass’ hands dropped heavily to the arms of his chair. His mouth hung open. As if struggling to understand what Ranell just told him, he asked, “How much of my department is getting cut?”
Ranell drew a ragged breath. “All of it. I’m sorry, Ken, but that includes your position.”
Stass cursed violently as understanding fully dawned on him. “Are you kidding me, Josef? How long have we known each other?” Stass grabbed his forehead to prevent it from shaking uncontrollably from side to side. “You’re cutting the entire planning department?” He shouted. “How is GML supposed to operate without a planning department?”
Choose Option 1: Provide Clarification and Reasons
Choose Option 2: Provide Emotional Support