IBM, which recently laid off over 2,000 employees in the US and Canada, has given these workers the option of relocating to cheaper destinations like India, China, Brazil and Eastern Europe.

Under a new project match programme, IBM will help ex-employees to relocate to its lower-cost countries. The company will also offer financial assistance with moving costs and immigration help with visa issues.

According to the company's internal notice, "The potential for developing career and new business skills by living and working abroad has been communicated to employees. Project Match will help employees locate potential job opportunities in growth markets where their skills are in demand."

The company however, has made it clear that only satisfactory performers who are "willing to work on local terms and conditions" should pursue the jobs. The wages paid to those moving would be as per local standards. IBM expects good response as employees seek interesting life experiences.

However, the move has agitated the IBM staff union, which has accused the company of shipping jobs overseas. The union spokesperson said that Big Blue was trying to export people for peanuts. He added that at a time of rising unemployment, IBM should be looking to keep both the work and the workers in the United States.

At least, 2,800 workers in the sales and distribution unit and software division were laid off in the last week of January. X

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