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ComputerWorldWith planned hiring, software maker says net impact of its planned 5,000 layoffs on payroll may be as little as 2,000March 4, 2009 (Computerworld) Microsoft Corp. will lay off H-1B workers as part of its recently announced plan to let go of 5,000 employees over 18 months, but it will continue to hire foreign workers as well, even though Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) insists that the software maker has an "imperative" to ensure that American workers "have priority in keeping their jobs over foreign workers on visa programs."
If there is any imperative for Microsoft, suggested the company's general counsel, Brad Smith, in a written response to Grassley on Monday, it is that the company will hire and fire in its own best interest. Smith didn't use those exact words, but there is no mistaking the meaning of his letter.
Citing the large enrollments of foreign students in graduate and doctoral programs and its need to hire these graduates, Smith told Grassley that "we do not expect to see a significant change in the proportion of H-1B employees in our workforce following the job reductions."
Microsoft also pointed out that its planned job cuts are not as bad as they seem. Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., laid off 1,400 employees in January, more than 800 of whom are in Washington state.
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Quote: "Brad Smith, in a written response to Grassley on Monday, it is that the company will hire and fire in its own best interest."
Speaks Volumes.......