The impact in Oklahoma of ATT’s plan to cut 3,400 jobs and close more than 250 stores nationwide isn’t known yet.
But the job cuts are reported to be part of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the company’s efforts to focus on growth areas, according to ATT. The layoffs and store closings will occur as John Stankey, the company’s Chief Operating Officer gets ready to become the Chief Executive Officer in July.
The announcement of the layoffs came from the Communications Workers of America union that represents ATT workers.
The AT&T Mobility and Cricket Wireless retail closures will affect 1,300 jobs, while the other layoffs are said to be affecting technical and clerical workers.
The job cuts are part of the company’s effort to focus on growth areas and address lower customer demand for some legacy products, AT&T said.
The “economic impact and changed customer behaviors” resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic were also drivers behind the telecom giant’s decision, AT&T said in a statement to Business Insider. The carrier also said it was eliminating more nonpayroll workers, many of whom are based outside of the US, than managers or union-represented employees.
The Oklahoma Office of Workforce Development became aware of the news this week.
“I do not know which of our stores are corporate and AT&T has not indicated which ones it is closing. AT&T did say that they will be closing in the next few weeks,” said Bill Hancock, Business Services and Rapid Response Coordinator for the state.
“The company said that those who volunteer to leave, don’t qualify for other positions or decline another job within the company will receive severance pay.”
Source: Workforce Development/Business Insider