Birmingham, AL – Jefferson County officials say more than 600 county employees received letters this week saying their jobs could be among 180 that will be permanently eliminated.
630 county employees got the letter, including 180 who were put on administrative leave without pay last summer. The letter warns that their positions may be eliminated or they may be bumped by someone with more seniority who might return to work in place of a current employee.
County manager Tony Petelos says workers are concerned by the letters. But he said the cash-strapped county, which has filed for bankruptcy, must make cuts.
Kathy Burleson, president of the County Employees Association, says the letters are causing additional anxiety for employees after cuts last year.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)