A year ago, JCPenney staffers were telling us they were afraid the retailer was “turning into Sears,” but at this point that might not be such a bad thing.

Though JCP has already cut upward of 19,000 staffers since current CEO Ron Johnson took the helm in 2011, the company is still looking to trim its employee roster even further.

BusinessInsider reports that earlier this week, store managers had the not-so-joyful experience of watching a “secret broadcast” from JCP HQ. During the broadcast, which we imagine resembled a scene from David Cronenberg’s Videodrome, the managers were told to prepare to “work harder with less,” as there will be more cuts — “service Leaders,” “administrative assistants,” and “office/cash room associates” — starting April 5.

No number was given during the broadcast, but a source tells BI that the layoffs will once again be in the thousands. This New York Post story claims that 1,500 have already been pink-slipped by the flagging retailer.

Some people have already been given the bad news, though some people are being given the opportunity to take other positions within the company.

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