The aftermath of the credit crunch is beginning to hit.
My employer just laid off 55 workers in our Australian manufacturing division, this after their biggest year profit in their 120 year history. This is part of the 150 layoffs world wide.
We manufacture product for the drilling industry which is directly connected with the mining industry.
The credit squeeze has slowed the exploration for minerals and so slowed sales and the manufacture of the drilling equipment, I think this is just the start of worse to come.
At least I am still working for now. 
Dave
The rich played games and gambled, the rest of us suffer.
Business had slowed at my work. But after Bush caused the panic it has really dropped.
I expect things to get worse after the US election ( regardless of who wins ), just in time for Christmas.
Christmas bonus this year? I doubt it. Job? I sure hope so.
Ralph
What a bunch of pessimists.
Dontcha know there is nothing to worry about??
Kevin 07 said so.
Item on the News today: some of the Big Boys are being squeezed and are looking for money from the gov in order to fulfill the pension obligations. Hmmmmmmm … seem to remember that being a sore spot not long ago since some of the Big Boys felt free to avail themselves of the huge surpluses that resulted from the stock market being on a bull tear.
I guess leaving that “surplus” money in the pension fund would be handy now.