Cecil here,
As I mentioned in my last missive, I'm a little fed up with airline travel, and since I had an extra day in my schedule, I left New Jersey on Amtrak headed for Chicago. Seeing the ground up close is so pleasant, and I enjoyed being able to plug my laptop into a 110v outlet and not run out the battery. But I got bored at the relative slow speed and jumped off in Cincinnati where I couldn't resist stopping in at SkyLine chili for lunch.
At the next table, enjoying their "4-ways," I overheard two locals discussing an online job posting, and wondering if it would affect their own jobs. The recruiting ad was from Computer Sciences Corporation, looking for programmer analysts that "Will provide production support, break fix, and enhancements for all EDI for Kroger. "
They were concerned since the posting described their own jobs. What's more, the openings were in Madhapur, India (not Indiana). They both left half their meals on their plates as they walked out mumbling about the part of the ad that read "ALL EDI for Kroger."
To clarify, I made a call to Gary Rhodes, Kroger's Director of Corporate Communications. Gary explained that the company is working toward finalizing an agreement with its selected vendor. To quote from Gary's note:
After that has been completed, we will meet with affected IS associates to review their options, which could include:
- staying with Kroger in their current assignment
- staying with Kroger in another position
- taking a job with the vendor to provide support for Kroger projects or other clients of the vendor
- leaving Kroger with a severance package.
No decision has been made on the number of positions that could be eliminated.
It sounds like CSC thinks the deal is finalized even if Kroger doesn't. Being the largest grocery retailer in the country, Kroger is often in a leadership position. In this case, are they leading the pack with regard to sending their EDI offshore?
I'm off on my way to Chicago, but I'm flying the rest of the way. The seats may be cramped but at least I'll be in a hotel room tonight rather than on the train.
Till next time... Cheers!
Cecil