Enron employees say they treat every day like it could be their last.
And not without reason. Sources tell 11 News that Enron has severely
restricted usage of its corporate American Express cards. And Enron's
retirement contributions reportedly have been canceled. So have all
outgoing Federal Express packages. Plus, parts of the one-time energy
giant are now being considered for spin-off.
With all this news, many workers are packing up personal belongings to
take home in anticipation of layoffs.
"People are mad, frustrated, stressed. It's hard to keep going without
knowing what's going on," said Enron employee Leigh Estes.
Even if Enron liquidates, spokespersons for Houston's Downtown District
say the city is diverse and attractive enough to sustain the loss.
According to the Downtown District's Robert Eury, "I think we feel we're
pretty resilient. We believe we are diverse down here. We think things
are going to keep right on going, with what you see happening."
Other energy traders are already absorbing some of Enron's business.
Employees hope the companies will take them, too.
Plus, Enron's state-of-the-art trading floor is unlike any other. The
Downtown District says it'll surely be snatched up by a competitor, if
Enron were to liquidate it.
As the weekend approached, Enron's future remained uncertain, while
anxiety heightened among the company's workers here in Houston.
Some good news Friday, however. Enron's employees were paid as usual.
But sources tell 11 News the corporation will file for bankruptcy next
week, possibly Monday or Tuesday. But it's still unknown what form that
will take, or how many layoffs are on the horizon.
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