Layoff notices start going out at Cessna

BY MOLLY MCMILLIN

The Wichita Eagle

Sixty-day layoff notices at Cessna Aircraft are being distributed today.

Cessna said last month that it would cut 500 jobs in Wichita and 165 in Bend, Ore.

The cuts are necessary because of a planned reduction in next year's production schedule because of declining global economic conditions, the company said.

About 150 employees have applied for voluntary layoffs, which is mitigating some of the layoffs, Cessna spokesman Doug Oliver said.

Oliver did not immediately know how many notices were being distributed.

Cessna is holding information sessions this week for the employees scheduled for voluntary or involuntary layoffs, the company said.