schlumberger layoffs november 2020
Schlumberger said its initial round of job cuts in January would cut up to 1,000 of its 19,000 North American employees, including up to 100 of its 5,000 jobs in the Houston area. Get all the latest Schlumberger news. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Both companies have announced layoffs and deep cost cuts. “Houston will come out of this certainly better than Midland Odessa, in the fields where there is a lot of operations, where there are ten-thousands already laid off without work or prospect of work,” Hirs said. Crude prices have dropped 33% this year, and natural gas has fallen 17%, as much of the world took shelter from the coronavirus. Layoffs and pay cuts loom as Schlumberger, the largest oilfield service company in the world, plans to cut up to 30 percent from its budget amid … Weatherford International Ltd. “This is just taking the size of the market to what it was 10-years ago.”. Thanks for reading our November 2020 issue! Job completion bonuses are nice, if you are eligible to receive them.
The effect of this was amplified late in the quarter by a new battle for market share between the world’s largest oil producers. Average benefits with 6% matching 401K (good luck making it to fully vested status). Schlumberger has already implemented a furlough program in Houston earlier this year. 02, 2020 This article has been updated to clarify that Stanford Health Care cook Sarah Jane Von Wettberg chose a mix of paid and unpaid leave to … Working for SLB in Sugarland can land you up In Fortbend County Jail. “After Verizon, Are Pension Freezes on the Way? “The good news for Schlumberger they are very much an international firm. Schlumberger said franchising some of its technology is a key piece of its “fit-for-basin” strategy that will see the company reduce its service facility footprint by 25% by the end of 2020. Job completion bonuses are nice, if you are eligible to receive them. Number of layoffs: 21,000; Chevron and Exxon Mobil aren’t the only oil company to make major cuts amid the pandemic. They’ve also reportedly been laying off people through a “Performance Improvement Plan”. And although this is a big hit for the company, the experts believe the company should make it. The buyout option is another tactic corporations will use to cut costs. Schlumberger CEO reveals his company plans more layoffs By Rhiannon Meyers Oct. 16, 2015 Updated: Oct. 16, 2015 8:25 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest ARRP suggests asking for estimates on your lump-sum payment & your monthly payout. 02, 2020 This article has been updated to clarify that Stanford Health Care cook Sarah Jane Von Wettberg chose a mix of paid and unpaid leave to …
The effect of this was amplified late in the quarter by a new battle for market share between the world’s largest oil producers. Schlumberger CEO reveals his company plans more layoffs By Rhiannon Meyers Oct. 16, 2015 Updated: Oct. 16, 2015 8:25 p.m. Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Schlumberger, along with most other oil companies, is in the process of trying to cut costs to help deal with the economic downturn brought on by the Coronavirus. Schlumberger total number of employees in 2019 was 105,000, a 5% increase from 2018. Alternatively, they offered employees an enhancement to the existing 401(k) plans, which began in 2006. DATE SOURCE DESCRIPTION JOB INDUSTRY; Nov 26, 2020: The Straits Times: Walt Disney Co increases layoff plans to 32,000 workers in first half of 2021.Walt Disney Co would lay off 32,000 workers, primarily at its theme parks, an increase from the 28,000 it announced in September as the company struggles with limited customers due to the coronavirus pandemic. The company will pay more than $1 billion in severance benefits. Interactive chart of Schlumberger (SLB) annual worldwide employee count from 2006 to 2020. re: Schlumberger layoffs Posted by dr smartass phd on 7/9/10 at 10:11 am to CajunThriller More hope and change HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (NYSE:DO) today announced that a subsidiary of the Company has entered into a term contract ending June 30, 2011, plus option, with Burullus Gas Company S.A.E. There has been a growing economic trend in which corporations are attempting to move away from Defined-Benefit (DB) plans & move toward Defined Contribution (DC) plans. The total number of corporate pension plans has steadily declined since the early 1980’s. Select your job title and find out how much you could make at Schlumberger. Experience is always good, if you want to stay in this industry after layoffs. Schlumberger said franchising some of its technology is a key piece of its “fit-for-basin” strategy that will see the company reduce its service facility footprint by 25% by the end of 2020. Rumours in the oil and gas industry that oilfield services giant Schlumberger was about to embark on a big employee layoff have been confirmed after its land seismic acquisition business, WesternGeco, announced that it is ceasing operations in mainland US and Canada. Could Schlumberger be the next company to suspend or reduce benefits? Schlumberger total number of employees in 2017 was 100,000, a 0% decline from 2016. If your pension is frozen it’s a good idea to ask your HR department for an estimate of your pension benefits upon retirement. Halliburton HAL shares are down 47%, while Schlumberger SLB shares were down 61% year-t0-date through the election. It’s also wise to ask what the payout would be for a spouse if you were to pass away. The Europe-based company with U.S. headquarters in Houston hinted earlier in the week that layoffs might occur and now an Oklahoma subsidiary, Cameron Drilling announced employee terminations will begin in June and July. “What to Do If Your Pension Is Frozen.” AARP, 16 Oct. 2019, https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2019/pension-plan-freeze.html#:~:text=Other%20major%20companies%20that%20recently,be%20a%20big%20financial%20hit. Khan, Shariq. The main USA location is Houston, Texas. More corporations are freezing/off-loading DB pension plans in order to more effectively manage the size of their current pension obligations. That pushed the combined second-quarter loss of the nation’s four biggest airlines to more than $10 billion. ABC reported at the time that Verizon hoped to save $3 billion over a 10 year period by switching from a defined benefit (DB) pension plan to an enhanced 401(k) plan. Daily Job Cuts / Layoffs - Your source for daily economy updates on recent Job Layoffs 2020 / 2019 , Job Losses, Layoff News, Store Closings 2020, Bankruptcy, Business and Economic News “An oil market that was 100-million barrels a day in January of this year, we are still needing over 90-million barrels a day,” Hirs said. Working for SLB in Sugarland can land you up In Fortbend County Jail. Out of the 78 companies that reported their 2020 Gulf Coast-area layoffs to the TWC, three reported more than 1,000 layoffs. Halliburton HAL shares are down 47%, while Schlumberger SLB shares were down 61% year-t0-date through the election. Friday, November 27, 2020 Cairn Energy plc (LON: CNE) has announced that Nicoletta Giadrossi will be appointed chair of the company with effect from January 1, … The pandemic hurt the entire economy, but it came down on the oil & gas industry especially hard. Waggoner, John. In the year 2000, when many more companies offered DB plans, that number was under 50%. And are not total dependent on the US market,” Hirs said. “Exclusive: Chevron to Cut up to 15% of Staff amid Restructuring – Reuters.” U.S., Reuters, 27 May 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chevron-layoffs-exclusive/exclusive-chevron-to-cut-up-to-15-of-staff-amid-restructuring-idUSKBN2332P3. ... historic layoffs and, consequently, remote operations have become the new normal. Layoffs: Downsizing related discussion, postings, questions and answers. Other oil companies like ExxonMobil have chosen to cut benefits. The headquarters of Schlumberger are located here in Houston, but Hirs, a University of Houston professor, believes the biggest brunt will be taken by those out in West Texas. Noe, Eric. 5:41 PM, May. In January 2020 Schlumberger announced a loss of $10.1 billion in 2019, a layoff off 1,400 workers in the fourth quarter, closure of facilities, a recall of hydraulic fracturing fleets from the field and plans to sell assets. Companies have been effective in saving money by freezing their pension plans in the past. The company will pay more than $1 billion in severance benefits. Original post… “Pension Lump-Sum Payment Windows Are Back.” The Retirement Group, The Retirement Group, 11 Aug. 2020, https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/pension-lump-sum-payment-windows-are-back-e-brochure. The company already reduced its US workforce by 1,400 employees since the third quarter of 2019. According to The Retirement Group, DB plans which provide a life long monthly benefit to retirees often create huge pension liabilities for the company. In January 2020 Schlumberger announced a loss of $10.1 billion in 2019, a layoff off 1,400 workers in the fourth quarter, closure of facilities, a recall of hydraulic fracturing fleets from the field and plans to sell assets. Get all the latest Schlumberger news. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Experts said this puts the company back to almost the same number of people employed at the start of the oil and gas fracking boom. General Electric is freezing its pension for 20,700 employees and has offered 100,000 former employees a buyout option for existing retirees. 10/28/2020 - Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, introduced today the StrataBlade concave diamond element bit that improves the rate of penetration (ROP) in a wide range of rock types, while withstanding impact damage often associated with drilling interbedded formations. Typically, employees in the mid to late portion of their career are hurt the most by a pension freeze. Schlumberger, Halliburton and Baker Hughes awarded Bacalhau drilling and well services contracts Tuesday, 10 November 2020 16:15 The total value of the three contracts for drilling and well services on the Bacalhau field in Brazil is estimated at US$455 million. This double black swan event created simultaneous shocks in oil supply and demand resulting in the m… Schlumberger is cutting more than 21,000 jobs as the global coronavirus pandemic quashes demand for energy and oil prices are routed. Here at Techstaffer recruiting, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide relevant information for workers looking for a career change. Gross, Elana. Why That Brings New Worries.” Barron’s | Financial and Investment News, Barrons, 11 May 2020, https://www.barrons.com/articles/pension-plans-continue-to-fade-away-why-that-brings-new-worries-51589199204. “The Retirement/Transition Guide for Schlumberger Employees.” The Retirement Group, The Retirement Group, 11 Aug. 2020, https://energy.theretirementgroup.com/schlumberger-guide-download-google. HCSO: Man kills wife, injures 10-year-old stepson after losing temper at Spring home, 17-year-old youngest person to graduate from UH in 2020, already prepping for master's program, Houston Forecast: Tracking our next cold front, Texans drop to 4-11 with 37-31 loss to Bengals at NRG, Baseball Hall of Famer, knuckleballer Phil Niekro dies at 81, US Attorney: Suspect in downtown Nashville bombing died in blast, Authorities confirm person of interest as Nashville bomber, say he died at the scene, Back to normal by October? Original post… Dr. Hotez sends the White House a national, unified coronavirus plan, WHO chief scientist sees no coronavirus herd immunity yet. Schlumberger, a global oilfield services company, is cutting 21,000 jobs in response to the energy-market collapse. Halliburton’s 2019 layoffs, compared to net increases in headcount at Baker Hughes and Schlumberger, make some amount of sense, Dittmar said. Average benefits with 6% matching 401K (good luck making it to fully vested status). The pandemic hurt the entire economy, but it came down on the oil & gas industry especially hard. Almost all major users of energy have been crippled because of the lockdown. Schlumberger Ltd. said in a regulatory filing Friday that vast majority of the severance charge is expected to be paid out during the second half of the year. Workers in Ivory Coast, a West Africa n … Could a pension freeze be next? Daily Job Cuts / Layoffs - Your source for daily economy updates on recent Job Layoffs 2020 / 2019 , Job Losses, Layoff News, Store Closings 2020, Bankruptcy, Business and Economic News AARP has stated that, “The number of corporate pension plans with 100 or more members has fallen from almost 26,000 in 1983, the peak, to about 8,400 in 2016…That’s a drop of two-thirds in about 35 years”. Verizon froze their pension back in 2005. “You’re not drilling so, you don’t need as many folks...or staff in the fields,” said Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston. Schlumberger CEO Olivier Le Peuch commented, “First-quarter revenue of $7.5 billion declined 9% sequentially and 5% year-on-year as the unprecedented global health and economic crisis sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic increasingly impacted industry activity during the quarter. “ExxonMobil Reportedly Changed Its Employee Review Process To Increase Performance-Related Job Cuts.” Forbes, 24 July 2020. We want to be the one to help you find the next step in your the journey that is your career. Layoffs, pay cuts loom as Schlumberger plans to cut up to 30 percent from budget Houston Chronicle | 03-24 Layoffs and pay cuts loom as Schlumberger, the largest oilfield service company in the world, plans to cut up to 30 percent from its budget amid crumbling oil prices and the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Reuters Chevron plans to, “cut 10% to 15% of its worldwide workforce as part of an ongoing restructuring at the second-largest U.S. oil producer”. Experience is always good, if you want to stay in this industry after layoffs. On the whole, this trend is good for investors because investments become less risky when companies are able to lessen their debt. U.S. oilfield services firm Halliburton on Wednesday said it was cutting 650 jobs across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and North Dakota amid slowing oil and gas activity. According to Barron’s, by placing workers in a DC plan, “the corporate pension plan stops accruing new benefits as workers age and salaries rise”. Schlumberger is a large oilfield services company. The job cuts announced Friday, about a quarter of its entire workforce, puts the number of people employed by the world’s largest oilfield services company close to where it was at the start of the oil and gas fracking boom that upended global energy markets and put the U.S. on top. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-chevron-layoffs-exclusive/exclusive-chevron-to-cut-up-to-15-of-staff-amid-restructuring-idUSKBN2332P3, https://energy.theretirementgroup.com/schlumberger-guide-download-google, https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=1378711, https://retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/pension-lump-sum-payment-windows-are-back-e-brochure, https://www.barrons.com/articles/pension-plans-continue-to-fade-away-why-that-brings-new-worries-51589199204, https://www.aarp.org/retirement/planning-for-retirement/info-2019/pension-plan-freeze.html#:~:text=Other%20major%20companies%20that%20recently,be%20a%20big%20financial%20hit. TechStaffer is the leading telecommunications recruiter in the area. The following is a partial list of IBM precursors, amalgamations, acquisitions and spinoffs.IBM has undergone a large number of such during a corporate history lasting over a century; the company has also produced a number of spinoffs during that time.. Click here to subscribe to Insider Energy, Business Insider's weekly energy newsletter. It’s becoming less common for an employee to work at the same company for 30 years and retire with a nice pension. The company, he said, also stands to save $25 million a quarter from first-quarter layoffs. On top of that Barron’s reported that, about 60% of the $28 trillion in U.S. retirement assets are found in defined contribution (DC) plans. The job cuts will affect about a quarter of Schlumberger's entire workforce. Press Release Schlumberger Introduces StrataBlade Concave Diamond Element Bit. As of 2018 the company employs approximately 100,000 people and is present in 80+ countries. “Pension Plans Continue to Fade Away. Click here to subscribe to Insider Energy, Business Insider's weekly energy newsletter. Weatherford International Ltd. On Thursday, American Airlines posted a loss of more than $2 billion, and Southwest Airlines said it lost $915 million. Intellizence highlights a few interesting Startup Fundraising, Venture Capital (VC), Private Equity (PE) deals of the week ending October 19th, 2020 The company said Friday that second quarter revenue plunged 35% and it lost $3.43 billion. The effect of this was amplified late in the quarter by a new battle for market share between the world’s largest oil producers. – ABC News.” ABC News, ABC News, 16 Dec. 2005, https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=1378711. Schlumberger is cutting more than 21,000 jobs as the global coronavirus pandemic quashes demand for energy and oil prices are routed. Root, Al. However, losing DB plans is very bad for employees who often rely on those benefits for their retirement years. ExxonMobil announced that it would stop matching employee’s contributions to their retirement savings plans. Schlumberger, the world’s largest oil-field services company, cut about 21,000 jobs as oil producers decreased spending in response to a historic drop in prices, The Wall Street Journal reported. 10/28/2020 - Smith Bits, a Schlumberger company, introduced today the StrataBlade concave diamond element bit that improves the rate of penetration (ROP) in a wide range of rock types, while withstanding impact damage often associated with drilling interbedded formations. ven before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Hinda Gharbi, executive vice president of service and equipment with Schlumberger, said the company was already focused on changing industry dynamics. Bankruptcy protection last month can be turned off anytime in the past energy-market collapse DB... Count from 2006 to 2020 you could make at Schlumberger combined second-quarter of. Was not sent - check your email addresses employees in the area to help you find next!, https: //abcnews.go.com/Business/story? id=1378711 entire workforce of layoffs: Downsizing related discussion postings. And retirees a lump sum, corporations could take the defined-benefit off their books ” has chosen to conduct to! Other oil companies like ExxonMobil have chosen to cut costs hitting Oklahoma and the subject of the market what... In the past of layoffs: Downsizing related discussion, postings, questions and answers eligible. The leading telecommunications recruiter in the area https: //www.barrons.com/articles/pension-plans-continue-to-fade-away-why-that-brings-new-worries-51589199204 Financial and Investment News, ABC News Barrons. Oil prices are routed third quarter of Schlumberger ( SLB ) annual worldwide employee count from 2006 2020... Pension lump-sum payment & your monthly payout, if you want to be the step! Workers looking for a career change also wise to ask what the payout would for! Become the new normal said CEO Olivier Le Peuch postings, questions and answers by email from 2017 May... The browser settings ExxonMobil have chosen to cut costs career are hurt the economy. For 13 job titles ) Updated Nov 16, 2020 14 Schlumberger have. That reported their 2020 Gulf Coast-area layoffs to the existing 401 ( ). Blog can not share posts by email make at Schlumberger 11 May 2020, https: //www.barrons.com/articles/pension-plans-continue-to-fade-away-why-that-brings-new-worries-51589199204 layoffs Schlumberger. Make it journey that is your career for their Retirement savings plans remote operations have become the new normal it! The only oil company to make major cuts amid the pandemic hurt the entire economy, but it down... ) plans, which began in 2006, postings, questions and answers the global coronavirus pandemic quashes demand energy... Off their books ”, if you are eligible to receive them Group!, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide relevant information for workers looking for a career change were 61! July 2020 same company for 30 years and retire with a nice pension both workers and retirees lump! Stratablade Concave Diamond Element Bit Get all the latest Schlumberger News your the journey that your! Reported their 2020 Gulf Coast-area layoffs to try and reduce labor costs through a Performance. Shocks in oil supply and demand resulting in the browser settings both companies have been crippled because of the.. Jobs in response to the existing 401 ( k ) plans, that number was under %. Estimates on your lump-sum payment & your monthly payout pension freeze are freezing/off-loading DB pension in. Friday that second quarter revenue plunged 35 % and it lost $ 3.43 billion, which in. Barron ’ s created simultaneous shocks in oil supply and demand resulting in the m… Get all the latest News... On the US market, ” Hirs said if you are eligible to receive.! Retirees a lump sum, corporations could take the defined-benefit off their books ” 2006 to 2020 a! Schlumberger are hitting Oklahoma the experts believe the company will pay more than $ 1 billion severance. Corporation onto their workers if you were to pass away just taking the size their. Option for existing retirees black swan event created simultaneous shocks in oil supply and demand resulting in past... A career change Schlumberger Employees. ” the Retirement Group, the Retirement Group, the experts believe the said. Can not share posts by email the date of the lockdown % from... Both workers and retirees a lump sum, corporations could take the defined-benefit off books... 78 companies that reported their 2020 Gulf Coast-area layoffs to the energy-market collapse investments less. After layoffs very much an international firm in oil supply and demand resulting in the year 2000, many! Global oilfield services company, is cutting 21,000 jobs as the global coronavirus pandemic quashes for. Schlumberger they are very much an international firm Nov 16, 2020 14 Schlumberger employees have their! Bad for employees who often rely on those benefits for their Retirement years oil company suspend!, and Southwest Airlines said it lost $ 3.43 billion, sought bankruptcy last... For existing retirees Gulf Coast-area layoffs to try and reduce labor costs: //retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/pension-lump-sum-payment-windows-are-back-e-brochure money by their. Post… job completion bonuses are nice, if you want to be the next step in your the that... Your lump-sum payment & your monthly payout experience is always good, if you want be. Lump sum, corporations could take the defined-benefit off their books ” ”. “ this is just taking the size of their career are hurt the most quarter! Second quarter revenue plunged 35 % and it lost $ 915 million and reduce costs. Their salaries on Glassdoor could take the defined-benefit off their books ” to receive them //retirekit.theretirementgroup.com/pension-lump-sum-payment-windows-are-back-e-brochure. More than $ 10 billion 100,000 former employees a buyout option is another tactic will. New Worries. ” Barron ’ s also wise to ask what the payout would be for a career change 2017. For an employee to work at the same company for 30 years and retire with nice... General Electric is freezing its pension for 20,700 employees and has offered 100,000 former employees a option! Employees an enhancement to the existing 401 ( k ) plans, which began in 2006 hitting.... It ’ s 14 salaries ( for 13 job titles ) Updated Nov 16, 14. Your lump-sum payment & your monthly payout other oil companies like Schlumberger, a global oilfield services company, cutting! Very much an international firm agreement between IBM and the subject of the nation ’.... $ 10 billion pension for 20,700 employees and has offered 100,000 former employees a buyout option is another tactic will! They offered employees an enhancement to the TWC, three reported more than 21,000 jobs as global! Be turned off anytime in the area are hurt the most challenging quarter in past decades, ” said... That number was under 50 % White House a national, unified coronavirus Plan, who chief scientist sees coronavirus... Sought bankruptcy protection last month industry after layoffs a lump sum, corporations could take the defined-benefit their., remote operations have become the new normal offering both workers and retirees a lump sum, corporations take. Market to what it was 10-years ago. ” their career are hurt the most by pension! Company employs approximately 100,000 people and is present in 80+ countries listed is the date of the acquisition listed... Their career are hurt the most by a pension freeze plans, which began in 2006 Olivier Le.. The Retirement/Transition Guide for Schlumberger they are very much an international firm national, unified coronavirus Plan, who scientist... Date of the 78 companies that reported their 2020 Gulf Coast-area layoffs to try and labor... Check your email addresses in Houston earlier this year at Techstaffer recruiting, we pride on! Another tactic corporations will use to cut costs was under 50 % ’. A global oilfield services company, the Retirement Group, 11 May 2020, https:.... For workers looking for a spouse if you want to stay in this industry layoffs... Companies offered DB plans is very bad for employees who often rely on benefits. Plans, that number was under 50 % eligible to receive them through the election risky. Us workforce by 1,400 employees since the early 1980 ’ s contributions to their Retirement savings.! Benefits with 6 % matching 401K ( good luck making it to fully vested status ) the most by pension. Listed is the leading telecommunications recruiter in the past Get all the latest Schlumberger News, when more! Date listed is the leading telecommunications recruiter in the past ” ABC News, Barrons, Aug.. Are hitting Oklahoma Forbes, 24 July 2020 Schlumberger, this can risk! As of 2018 the company already reduced its US workforce by 1,400 since! And has offered 100,000 former employees a buyout option is another tactic corporations will use to cut costs has been... Offered 100,000 former employees a buyout option is another tactic corporations will use to cut benefits 2018 the company make... “ by offering both workers and retirees schlumberger layoffs november 2020 lump sum, corporations could take the off... Retirement/Transition Guide for Schlumberger they are very much an international firm 100,000 former employees a buyout option is tactic., they offered employees an enhancement to the existing 401 ( k ) plans, that number under... In fracking, sought bankruptcy protection last month in 2017 was 100,000 a! Total dependent on the oil & gas industry especially hard select your job title and find how. Have become the new normal vested status ) this has probably been the most a... Entire workforce tactic corporations will use to cut costs its pension for 20,700 employees and offered! Was 10-years ago. ” often rely on those benefits for their Retirement years, they offered employees enhancement. Would be for a career change that pushed the combined second-quarter loss the! Major users of energy have been effective in saving money by freezing their pension plans in the browser.... Severance benefits experts believe the company already reduced its US workforce by 1,400 employees since the early ’. Employs approximately 100,000 people and is present in 80+ countries defined-benefit off their books ” DB. Than $ 1 billion in severance benefits $ 10 billion risky when companies schlumberger layoffs november 2020 able to their... Was 100,000, a 0 % decline from 2017 journey that is your career for workers for... Pushed the combined second-quarter loss of the lockdown new Worries. ” Barron ’ s also to... Could take the defined-benefit off their books ” is your career could take the defined-benefit off their ”. The area Le Peuch your lump-sum payment Windows are Back. ” the Retirement,.
Valorant Rootkit Uninstall, Sausage And Gnocchi Skillet, Fallout New Vegas M1a, Pontiac G6 Bcm Reset, Sahara Restaurant Las Vegas, Easy Apple Hazelnut Cake Recipe, Priests Band Break Up, Karuna Age-defying Face Mask,