I have confirmed with BBDO that most of the 450 remaining employees at BBDO Detroit will be taking two weeks off this month, unpaid. The agency is calling the break a furlough.
Of the 450, some 25 will remain to support BBDO North America’s other accounts. We’re told most of them will get a week off as well. The people who are getting two full weeks are on the Chrysler account, which is down for the time being.
According to one source, spirits are high, noting “it’s better to have 2 weeks off than 52.”
With business unaffected by this cost saving maneuver, this seems like a fairly good idea, however striking it may seem.
Oddly, we have heard that employees at Detroit are being monitored by IT. Why? To see if they’re submitting tips to AgencySpy. But don’t fret, Detroit ad folk, you can always call us at 212-547-7935 with your tips or anonymously tip us from home. There’s always twitter, too. And e-mail, agencyspy at mediabistro dot com.
A representative for BBDO said, “yes, all BBDO Detroit employees are taking two weeks’ unpaid vacation in June.”