Sinking ship - Anonymous employee International Paper Employee Review

There is a fundamental failure of leadership and values. While the CEO tries to justify these decisions as “strategic realignment” or “cost optimization,” the reality is that loyal employees—who helped build the company’s success—are treated as disposable line items. Jobs are shifted overseas, institutional knowledge is lost, morale collapses, and everyone left is overworked and fearful, all in the name of protecting quarterly earnings. What makes this behavior especially indefensible is the contrast between the sacrifices demanded of employees and the rewards reserved for executives. While workers face unemployment, reduced benefits, and economic instability, the C-suite secures golden parachutes worth millions. This imbalance exposes a culture where accountability flows downward, but rewards flow upward. Executives are insulated from the consequences of their own decisions, even when those decisions hollow out the organization.