[Milu]

I've got a client where the Xmas bonus is going to be the november pay cheque. The two sales managers are losing the company BMWs and will be paid commission and expences only. The retail stores are closing year end and there will job cut by February if some big new contracts don't come in.
Cause: they got shafted by some suppliers, some clients are paying late or not at all and a couple of banks called in loans. If the banks didn't pull the plug they would be expanding despite these problems (and without additional finance!).

I also have clients who supply components to the auto industry. That is a bloodbath waiting to happen. After years of squeezing margins, manufacturers and tier 1 suppliers are now jerking lower level suppliers around with different tactics to extend payment times such as finding fantasy quality issues and payment terms vased on when the components are used not when supplied. This in addition to the obvious reduction in quantities and orders. I'm also starting to see this trend in other industry sectors.

Bonuses? Some are lucky to have any kind of paycheque.