Anyone have details on GNF layoff in SD? Hear there are cuts already known ....but not seeing anything public?
Yes. I work there. All hell is breaking loose. They let go of some very key people. Add to this a mass exodus of top producing people to Calibr on their own. Most of this is coming from a very bad case of upper-level mismanagement. In typical response, GNF has hired over-paid talent recruiting specialists to "fix" the problem. Bottom line there is discontent with the new CEO and his crack team of HR people. They are removing all the wrong people, promoting those who don't deserve to get promoted, and plainly just not taking care of those who should have been rewarded for their efforts many years ago. I can tell you this is not the end. There are more layoffs planned soon (even though I would be willing to bet SLM will deny this). More problematic, should these cuts and layoffs not "help GNF to find it's way again" soon, the site will be closed.
I can second that, GNF site is already in the early stages of restructuring, both in terms of internal hardware, instruments, and of course, people; for the grand bid and sell-off. I also work there. NIBR appears to be safe, and will likely see some layoffs (perhaps in tandem with GNF Fall 2016), but for very different reasons. Most of the new posting for scientists at GNF will be shuttled to NIBR (probably Cambridge) when this place shuts down (Jan 2017 target?). The word is already out here and people are constructing their parachutes. It is interesting how some of the PI's here knew this before some of us in ULM.
GNF began to fall apart when Pete Schultz was removed. They had a great setup. TSRI academics identifying the drug target, GNF HTP screening came up with candidates to hit the target. Novartis killed that vital connection back in 2011 and this place was never the same. It became a model for how to kill R&D. However, in true Novartis style, they would rather lose the war than admit to the mistake (let alone correct it, that's out of the question). The whole of Novartis, it would surprise me not one bit, should or will be soon on the table for a classic downfall and take over (anyone from GSK want to save us from ourselves?).
Many (who do actual work) in NIBR talking about a move... Auspicously, local market getting better so we can leave the Titanic while deck boy swab...
Ah yes, Ladies and Gentleman! May I present the grim reaper is on his way to GNF! This job will be filled internally, in fact, I have a good feeling who in fact Basal has in mind for this clean-the-house job. GNF, I wish you all the best in the world, and I do mean that. At best expect layoffs, at worst as the previous post suggestions, this place has had it. https://sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=13617&siteid=5260&jobid=2420136
Ah, yes. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present the grim reaper. A little earlier than I even anticipated, but it looks like they are already starting to clean house at GNF. I think I may even have my ideas of who this position will be offered to. https://sjobs.brassring.com/tgwebhost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerid=13617&siteid=5260&jobid=2420136
According to information that has been told to me, corporate DID NOT advise these layoffs, let alone the people who were selected. Whomever posted the job description above, that does not surprise me. I heard Basal is very upset with not only the manner in which the layoffs were handled, but who was selected, right down to the associate levels positions. What I did not hear is who exactly they are holding responsible for this. Yet, I would assume taking all these pieces and putting them together points to HR and a few select people who Basal may hold responsible.
I heard it was standard. Two months salary, and then a monetary severance in which the amount was based on how long the employee had worked at GNF. I also heard some got outplacement services for some period of time. There were rumors some were offered money for training (as much as $5000.00). Whatever that means.
A possible problem for the CEO of GNF, the Dir or Pharm Dept, and the Dir of HR. Apparently these three individuals are complicit in trying to disguise a firing for performance as a lay off. They have strong reason to suspect that these people choose only those people in the Pharm Dept that had 1 level ratings and lumped them into the people in Immuno as lay offs. If that were indeed true, that is illegal, and they may have a claim. This would probably be a class action. If the performance records are subpoena, and this is indeed the case, the only thing Novartis could do would be to settle the case, and with the attonery's fees and punitive damages, I'm guessing they would have saved themselves more money just being honest. May have even saved the CEO, Dir of Pharm, and Dir of HR's job (because I would be willing to bet that they would be fired after placed on admin leave).
Certainly. While I do not work in either the Pharm or Immuno Dept, I do know every single one of those individuals that were subjected to a lay off. I was closest to those affected in Pharm Dept. Having had several conversations with each of them, I know what their ratings were. I would like to add that in each case, it was completely undeserving. I don't treat my people like that, and have given 1 ratings only very rarely in my career. Those that do will continue to lose top talent if it is done as a means of retaliation, intimidation, or for political reasons, as many of my colleagues are known to engage in. Now, regarding the legality of the lay offs, well, that is my legal interpretation and there is CA statute, as well as case law, which merits and lays the foundation for a possible claim. I do not approve of the new CEO, many of my colleagues, and collectively the means and standard operating procedures they are currently adopting to guide the future of GNF. My end point? Simply only this. Perhaps in the unlikely event one of those so affected reads my posts, they may think about their options. Sometimes that is the only way to make change is by using the legal rights you have been given and are entitled to.