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Sprint's local call center to lose 400 jobs, biggest layoff companywide [Orlando Sentinel :: ](Orlando Sentinel (FL) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) March 20--Sprint Corp. confirmed Wednesday it is shedding 400 jobs at its Altamonte Springs call-center operation -- the biggest in a series of companywide cost-cutting moves by the wireless-communications giant. The company said it handed out pink slips to affected workers Tuesday. The layoffs, which will take effect next Tuesday, will eliminate about two-thirds of the call-center work force. Workers will be paid through April 8. They will also receive severance benefits and outplacement assistance. Sprint's local action was part of a companywide work-force reduction that was initially disclosed in January, spokeswoman Melinda Tiemeyer said. Since then, the company also has shuttered call centers in Elmsford, N.Y. (100 jobs), in Sacramento (250 jobs) and at its headquarters in Overland Park, Kan. (200 jobs), she said. Among other factors, Sprint cited increased efficiencies and competition in the wireless industry. The company said both management and nonmanagement positions would be eliminated, but Sprint is not disclosing how many of its 38,000 employees will lose their jobs in the downsizing. Sprint was acquired last year by SoftBank Corp. and now operates as a subsidiary of that company. According to analysts, Sprint is facing strong price competition from wireless rivals Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T. More than 80 percent of Sprint's annual revenue comes from its wireless business. Central Florida has one of the largest call-center industry clusters in the country, according to economic-development officials. Nearly 80 companies -- including Chase Bank, Verizon, AT&T and others -- employ more than 28,000 people at call-center and business support operations in Metro Orlando. Jobs in the call-center industry generally pay less than the regional average of $40,200. In 2013, for example, Sedgwick Claims Management Services of Memphis opened a call center at the Central Florida Research Park with 225 jobs paying average annual salaries of about $35,000. [email protected] or 407-420-5256 ___ (c)2014 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |