Verizon takes "Pigeon holed" to a new level

We all know that big companies tend to treat their employees like interchangable cogs, but Verizon takes the cake today for putting it right out there for all to see.

You see, I keep getting recruitment emails from Verizon. Mostly, it sounds like an OK place to work, I guess. That is, except for this little blurb at the bottom of each email:

Current Affiliate Employees - (excluding Verizon Connected Solutions (VCS) employees) If you are currently an employee of a Verizon Affiliate company, we can not consider you for a position at this time due to a corporate-wide policy that restricts movement of employees between Verizon companies. The purpose of this policy is to allow Verizon to manage its workforce and ensure the overall success of the business.

Former Employees - If you are a former Verizon or a former employee of a Verizon Affiliate/predecessor company, you must apply on-line. Please note that the company has limited opportunities to rehire former employees into positions. In the event there is a job opening for which you can be considered, you will be contacted for further action. You will not be contacted unless you are being considered for a position.

What was that again? It sounds like once you work at Verizon, upward or sideways mobility is OUT OF THE QUESTION! The job we hire you into is the job you are stuck with forever and ever. Even if you hate it. Even if you'd be great at the new job. We don't want to have to replace YOU, we just want to hire some people for this other job. Oh, yeah, and if you quit, or get laid off, you can apply on-line but you're at a distinct disadvantage getting hired back.

Harsh, very harsh. Verizon, putting these two rules on the table, up front and for all to see, is sending a clear message that "Whatever the company needs is always number one, and what you as an employee need will forever be number two."

People willing to put up with that kind of attitude remind me of women on Oprah or Dr. Phil who get married to guys who treated them poorly even before they got married.