IBM: From RAs to "Workforce Re-balancing" (New Names for Mass Layoffs)

posted by Roy Schestowitz on Apr 28, 2026,
updated Apr 28, 2026

Last March: IBM CFO James Kavanaugh Refers to Firing of Almost 10,000 Americans as "Workforce Rebalancing" (Shifting IBM's Centre of Balance to Low-salary Contracts/Countries)

Hours ago:

Today marks my last day at IBM — and what a ride it's been.

This morning we pointed out, based on a public observation, that IBM's own earnings call revealed thousands of layoffs. Of course nobody in the media will mention any of this. The official policy seems to be: parrot whatever press release comes from IBM. If there's no press release, then it ain't happening, period. An hour ago someone joked about IBM's euphemism by saying: "and can I get fries to go with those layoffs and workforce re-balancing charges please?"

Well, "workforce re-balancing" means "RAs", which is a misleading acronym IBM has devised to soften if not hide mass layoffs. █

Image source: James Kavanaugh (EMBA 92) talks to Fisher students about his career and IBM history.

There is still chatter (minutes ago) about CEO departure expected/impending... or not. Just speculation.

Arvind's house just sold for $2,375,000 - What time is his flight home to Bengaluru to live happily ever after?

A week ago: Speculations That IBM's CEO is on His Way Out

Four days ago: Recent Happenings at IBM Reaffirm Rumours About the CEO; He Might be Resigning (or Pushed Out) Soon

Two days ago: The Man IBMers Regard or Already See as Likely Successor of Krishna (or Next CEO of IBM) is a Slop Fanatic

Rob Thomas:

Rob Thomas

Peter Thiel:

Peter Thiel

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