Microsoft cuts back on worker benefits

[Nomad559]

Microsoft cuts back on worker benefits

The company used to cover the full cost of brand-name drugs for employees. Next year they'll have a $40 copayment on a brand-name drug if a generic alternative exists.

Microsoft estimates that change will save about $20 million a year.

Also next year, employees must take their four weeks of paid parental leave within six months of having or adopting a child. Previously, employees were able to take their leave within a year.

Finally, new employees hired after Jan. 1, 2005, will accrue two weeks of vacation a year for the first two years instead of three weeks a year. After the two years, they'll get three weeks a year.



Microsoft to submit antispam standard

The technology, called "Caller ID for E-mail," is an Internet Protocol-based method to ensure that the sender's return e-mail address is authentic. Many spammers have used a method called "spoofing," which makes their return addresses appear legitimate to the recipient's spam filters. Often, people open unwanted spam, thinking it originated from a contact, which could lead to the further dissemination of viruses and user annoyance.

[GOPisEvil]

1. My employer cut back on benefits, too.

And I'm in state government. Bush's economic mismanagement is hurting us all. Except the very wealthy of course.

[LynzM]

2. The prescription part makes sense...

Why force the company to pay for the brand-name when an equal, and less expensive, counterpart exists?

In terms of vacation... that kinda sucks, but I'd be happy to accrue two weeks a year, so... guess that's a matter of perspective.