GE Transportation cuts more than 1,500 Pa. jobs

ERIE, Pa. - GE Transportation is cutting more than 1,500 jobs in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The company announced Tuesday that it would make permanent 1,200 temporary layoffs that were announced in February at its factory near Erie, which makes electric locomotives. In addition, 230 hourly jobs and 50 salaried jobs are being cut there. Another 200 people are losing their jobs at an engine plant in Grove City.
Human resources manager Shaun Francis says the company was hoping that orders would improve but cut the jobs when that didn't happen. Francis says employees losing their jobs will get a week's pay for every year of service and paid health care for one year.
The company will have fewer than 4,000 workers in northwestern Pennsylvania after the layoffs, which take effect in 60 days.
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Information from: Erie Times-News, http://www.goerie.com

ed note: GE Transportation announced a reduction of 20 jobs in the Emporium facility. 18 hourly workers, and two salaried workers, will be layed off. Some employees could take an early retirement option
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