Fred Meyer Inc. said it has eliminated 159 jobs effective immediately, including 15 at its Salt Lake operations.
The terminations were mainly in its support divisions and corporate offices in the Salt Lake area. No retail store personnel are affected, the company said.The workforce reductions stem from a review of the support divisions and the company's needs, said Robert G. Miller, chairman, in a letter to employees.
"The decision to reduce the number of our support personnel was not easy," said Miller. "In today's retail environment and the uncertain consumer confidence in the economic climate, we have to make tough decisions. Our goal has been to be fair. We believe we have met that goal."
The company is offering a separation program, including employment counseling and outplacement assistance starting immediately. Also, each affected employee will receive a minimum of nine weeks pay and benefits.
The reduction in workforce leaves Fred Meyer Inc. with 23,675 employees. The elimination of job positions by region was: Portland, 108; other Oregon locations, 9; Seattle area, 24; Salt Lake City, 15; other locations, 3.