National Semiconductor, the California-based company, rewarded all of their employees with free 30GB iPod videos for the best fiscal year to date. Well, last week 35 employees were laid off from the Arlington plant and were asked to return the iPods that were received as gifts.

The iPods were given out to distribute company information but employees were also told that they could use the devices for personal uses. Unfortunately, National Semiconductor assumed that the iPods were still company property and asked for them back. What's the deal, National Semiconductor? At least let them keep the iPod. They need something to do while milking the government for unemployment money. – Travis Hudson

Losing their jobs and even their iPods [Star-Telegram]

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