Erickson Aviation lays off approximately 150 workers

Central Point, Ore. — NBC5 News has confirmed through multiples sources that layoffs are happening right now at Erickson Aviation.

A Sheriff’s Deputy at Erickson Aviation told us that 144 people will be laid off today. We have confirmed with Erickson Aviation that approximately 150 workers have been laid off.

This is a letter that went out to some of the employees at Erickson Aviation talking about the layoffs:

“Due to current economic conditions and business challenges, Erickson Incorporated is facing an immediate need to restructure the organization to reduce expenses and cash outlays. We believe that this action is necessary to secure the long term viability of the company.

After reviewing our options, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate a significant number of positions. It is with deepest regret that we hereby inform you of our decision to eliminate your position. Erickson is committed to assisting you through this difficult transition. Later today, you will attend a meeting with out Human Resources department to learn about the separation benefits Erickson is offering to you, including severance pay, benefits continuation and job search support services.

We have always valued and continue to value the contributions of all our staff and very much regret the need for this action. Please accept our appreciation for your contribution to the company during your employment with Erickson Incorporated.”

In 2011, Erickson laid off 119 people. The company says that layoff was due to the downfall in the economy and its restructuring at the time.

Central Point, Ore –A tough week continues for the Rogue Valley’s largest companies as another round of layoffs claims roughly 150 jobs at Erickson Aviation in Central Point.

This follows 50 other layoffs by the company throughout the country earlier this year. Employees we talked to say there was no warning.

They were told that at the end of their shift, they would no longer be working at Erickson Aviation.

Company executives tell me they had no choice after a tough year.

On a gloomy February day lines of cars seen leaving the Erickson Aviation plant in Central Point, unlikely to return.

According to Erickson Aviation, approximately 150 employees were laid off Wednesday, mostly in manufacturing.

“In effort to make sure we remained profitable, there was no way that we could work around the layoffs,” said Marketing Director Susan Bladholm.

Employees wouldn’t talk on camera, telling me they worry if they did, they’d lose their severance and a chance at being rehired.

When the company let go of 119 people in 20-11, some eventually returned.

“We’re really hoping that this is the final step of our restructure,” said Bladholm.

Erickson marketing director Bladholm says major changes in the global market forced their hand.

“The oil and gas companies, our clients and prospective clients are decreasing spending for services such as ours,” said Bladholm.

A disastrous fire season further hurt the company in 2014.

“Fires, we did have a record breaking low year historically, that wasn’t true just for Erickson that was true in the industry,” said Bladholm.

Out of work employees met with management at an off-site location, some carrying belongings in bags.

There is a period of grieving frankly, Erickson is a tight knit community, we have 800 employees, said Bladholm.

A community undergoing a massive restructuring and the loss of nearly a fifth of their work force.

The layoffs are part of a company wide restructuring which includes dividing Erickson Aviation into four components.

The jobs lost includes employees in the field, factory and office locations, primarily in Oregon.

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