They forwarded a letter that Gazprom-Media director Senkevich sent out to the holding company's employees. Doesn't look fake to me. Have a read — it's quite something. Dear colleagues! * I am forced to address you on a difficult matter! * Unfortunately, over the past month I have received more than 15 inquiries from employees of various departments and at various levels asking whether or not a bonus will be paid this year. * Leaving aside the sheer impertinence of such questions, I will try to answer you on the merits: * 1*. At present, the entire country, ourselves included, is experiencing the gravest consequences of the global economic crisis, which some media outlets compare to the Great Depression, though in reality it can already be compared to the economic situation in Europe during the First World War. 2. In recent years we have taken all necessary and sufficient measures to improve the standard of living and social protection of our workers (that is, of you personally). And I hope none of you has had cause for complaint over this. 3. Bonuses, as a category, appeared in our company only starting in 2005 (that is, from the moment management changed). 4. In recent years bonuses have been paid quarterly and at year-end depending on each employee's contribution and upon the recommendation of his or her immediate supervisor. 5. At the same time, some of you may have formed the mistaken impression that bonuses are a mandatory supplement to your salary — which, obviously, is not in keeping with reality. 6. Recently, there has been a certain trend within the workforce, expressed in chronic lateness in arriving at work and in leaving early (our external and internal surveillance cameras record all of this), which has never (until today) been grounds for serious proceedings before the labor discipline commission (in case anyone does not know, yes, we have one of those too: and have had for quite some time). 7. At present, it is time to recall (slightly paraphrasing) the words of a classic: ASK NOT WHAT THE COMPANY HAS DONE FOR YOU, ASK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE COMPANY!!!!!!! 8. We (management) are well aware of the current situation in the labor market (I say this — just in case):: * Well. And now to the point: * Dear colleagues! THERE WILL BE NO YEAR-END BONUS IN THE USUAL SENSE YOU HAVE IN MIND!!!! * Possibly, there will be a bonus for those employees who distinguished themselves most over the past year. But that is entirely at the discretion of your immediate supervisors. EVERYTHING they propose will be considered by me. So far, no proposals have been submitted!!!!!!!!! * I, as General Director, proceed from an extremely simple principle: to do everything possible to preserve our people, that is, to keep paying them their SALARIES!!!!!!!! * And if I were in the place of those people who are asking about bonuses, the only question that would really concern me would be this: WILL THERE BE LAYOFFS?????????!!!!!!!!!!!! * You can survive without a bonus, but without a salary — that is difficult!!!!!!!! * So, to summarize: At the end of the year, a certain group of workers will receive a certain reward in a certain monetary amount for their particular (but extremely good) work! * Who exactly that will be will be decided by department heads! * E*VERYTHING WILL BE FINE, PREPARE YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!! * With ***sincere respect, Ge***neral Director OJSC "Gazprom-Media" ***N.Senkevich