Symington Statement on IBM Job Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Contact: Michael Carrese

June 12, 2008       (802) 651-7141 or 760-8832

STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SYMINGTON ON IBM JOB CUTS:

IBM’s announcement is the third time this week we’ve learned of real and potential job losses in Vermont.  Unemployment is at a 14-year high, we’ve lost 2,800 manufacturing jobs since Jim Douglas took office, and we have the slowest rate of job growth in New England. It’s clear that he has failed to live up to his promises on job creation.

Despite the facts, Jim Douglas says we’re “heading in the right direction” and he spoke last week of Vermont’s “growing prosperity.” It shows a lack of awareness and sensitivity to say things are going well when Vermonters are losing their jobs, and those still employed are very worried about the weak economy.  After six years of big promises and poor results, it’s time for a change in leadership.