“Despite having fully achieved the original merger integration savings objectives of Nokia Siemens Networks, changes in the global economy and competitive environment make further cost reductions necessary,” the company said.

What it meant to say was that it planned to sack 1,900 employees during the fourth quarter of 2008, as evidenced today by the company’s announcement that it will lay off 400 more employees than originally expected this year. It should be noted, though, that these positions are part of the cost cutting actions previously announced in October.

“On December 23, 2008, the Company approved certain additional plans relating to these cost-reduction initiatives,” Motorola said in an SEC filing. “These additional actions, plus other actions approved since October 30, 2008, relate to the termination of approximately 400 employees, resulting in additional pre-tax severance charges of approximately $25 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.”

What a nasty shock for those 400 employees who thought their jobs would survive through to the new year, eh? The elimination of their positions brings the total number of employees laid off at Motorola to about 12,000 since the beginning of 2007. 2009 isn’t looking too promising for the struggling handset maker, which is already heading into the new year with a junk credit rating amid a chorus of analyst skepticism.

What would I do? I’d shut it down and give the money back to the shareholders.”

– Michael Dell explains what he’d do were he CEO of Apple (AAPL), circa 1997

Weakening economic conditions have forced Dell (DELL) to add a new benefit to its already tenuous employee salary packages: a week of unpaid leave. In an effort to “better position the company for long-term competitiveness,” the company is asking workers to consider taking five days off without pay–the theory being that five days off without pay is better than six months off on unemployment in a lousy economy.

“[Our goal] is to address costs in creative ways, in a way that gives our employees more choices than perhaps have existed in the past,” said spokesman David Frink. “We’re looking to use voluntary cost reduction options whenever possible so fewer involuntary actions would be necessary.”

A foreboding announcement from Dell, which has already reduced headcount by about 10 percent (8,900 employees) this year. ’Course, if this initiative doesn’t work out, CEO Michael Dell could always shut down the company and return the money to the shareholders. …