380 Bosch Jobs to go

[KIV]

There are lessons to be learnt from this sad news.
1. Avoid joining a company that exports its products to other countries and don't sell to the local market. Sooner or later, that company will shift its manufacture overseas where labour is cheaper and the customers are closer.
2. The moment a company announces its intention to transfer some manufacture overseas, it's time to start looking for a new job. It takes about a year for manufacture to start in the overseas plant, so you'll have sufficient time to find a new job.
3. Put your hand up for that redundancy package if it's offered and you can afford to take it. Do not delay while there's still plenty of money in the pot. Once the floodgate opens, there will be less money and the benefits might not be better than now.
4. Do not be misled into thinking that the company might be doing better than before if you see a rapid ramping up of production and lots of overtime work. You might just be building up buffer stock until that overseas plant is ready for manufacture.
5. There might be areas in addition to manufacturing that the company intends to transfer overseas. So look out for tell tale signs. For instance, do you see design personnel from overseas plants working closely with their counterparts here?
6. If you intend to stay put in these tough times, remember that both management and union will be at each other's throats. Gather the facts yourself and stay close to your wonderful colleagues, for the latter might be the reason why you haven't thought of jumping ship.
7. Anything else, anyone?