Wednesday, 19 September 2012 11:34

FirstEnergy Layoffs In Works

Written by  Chris Keppler
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It looks like up to a couple hundred people could lose their jobs at FirstEnergy just before the holidays.

Spokesman Todd Schneider says the company is launching an organizational study to determine ways to increase efficiency.

"As a result of that study, we expect to eliminate about 200 positions, mainly in the Akron office," said Schneider.

He says the study was prompted by the energy marketplace and the overall economy, telling AkronNewsNow that energy prices are at a 10-year low and demand is "flat."  Details on the exact number position titles to be cut is expected to surface in early November.

Schneider says the company wants to be up front with employees rather than blind siding them after final decisions have been made. 

"We want to share with our employees the situation we're facing and the steps we'll have to take well in advance of us taking any actions," said Schneider.

A news release says that further reductions in the workforce could continue in 2013, but mainly through attrition.

Chris Keppler

Chris Keppler

Chris is the regular news anchor on WQMX's Wynn and Wilson in the Morning and WONE's Tim and Christi in the Morning programs. He first opened a microphone at WZIP-FM at The University of Akron in 1990 but got his first paid radio job delivering weekend news on WZKL-FM & WDPN-AM in Alliance. Chris then moved to WJER AM & FM in Dover where he reported on Tuscarawas County, including stories that made national headlines. Chris has been honored by his peers with first place awards from the Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters including Best Reporter, Best Feature Story, and Best Broadcast Writing among others. In addition to his work as a broadcast journalist Chris has also worked in public relations and as an instructor at the University of Akron teaching Broadcast News Writing. Chris enjoys volunteer work, and has served on the boards of the Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters, Public Relations Society of America (Akron Area Chapter), American Cancer Society Hope Gala Committee and currently serves on the Green Baseball/Softball Federation Board. Contact Chris through the newsroom 330-864-6397 or email at ckeppler@rcrg.net

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