Ford Motor Co. has begun dismissing salaried workers as part of an effort to shed 15% of its salaried-related costs by Aug. 1 in the face of a toughening U.S. economy.

The struggling market has resulted in an 11.2% sales decline for the automaker, with a disproportionate amount of the decline, 14%, hitting the profitable truck lineup.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby confirmed Monday that the dismissals have spread to Ford’s regular white-collar workforce. However, the bulk of the dismissals are expected in the weeks ahead, as the Aug. 1 deadline approaches.

In an effort to reach its objectives, the automaker is also forgoing filling many open positions and cutting benefits, such as tuition and scholarship programs for employees.

Ford posted a $100-million profit in the first quarter of this year, but that small gain followed a $2.7-billion loss in 2007 and a record $12.6-billion loss in 2006.

The workers are paying for the mismanagement of a company by its leaders.  Ask yourself, how much will the top managers be losing in their packages?