Thu, Oct 30, 2008
Includes 20 Percent Reduction In Management-Level
Employees
Officials at Bell Helicopter
announced Wednesday the company will lay off approximately 500
workers, representing about four percent of the Bell Helicopter
workforce. The planned layoffs include a 20 percent reduction in
the management-level staff.
Bell says the layoff was triggered by the US Department of
Defense's recent termination of the ARH-70A helicopter development
contract, including the impact of the loss of the planned
production contract.
As ANN reported, the DoD announced the end of
the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter program October 16.
In accordance with government regulations, Bell will provide pay
and benefits to the affected employees for 60 days following the
date of their layoff notice. Bell will also provide severance pay
in accordance with standard company policy.
"With the loss of the ARH-70A program, we must make changes in
our staffing and structure to reduce costs and ensure that our
products remain competitive," said Richard Millman, president
and CEO of Bell Helicopter. "Staffing decisions are always
difficult, especially in light of the global economic conditions.
Our actions are intended to ensure that we retain the talent most
needed for the projected business environment and treat every
affected employee fairly and with respect and dignity."
Employees affected by the layoff were notified Wednesday. Bell
says it has made arrangements to provide each employee with
post-employment support through the services of an outplacement
firm and the Texas Workforce Commission.
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