More City Workers Laid Off

Alabama Mobile But there are opportunities to find jobs.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Mon, December 08, 2008 - 10:04 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, December 08, 2008 - 10:19 pm CST

The Gulf Shores City Council Monday night voted to layoff more than 20 people from city government at the end of the year.
Mayor Robert Kraft said the reduction in force includes approximately 40 positions and 21 people now in full time jobs.
The people affected will be told Tuesday.
There will be cuts in the police and fire departments, but Mayor Kraft said, "That is where we've cut the least. They have had to do some, but nothing like we've done in other departments."
The mayor said a drop in sales tax collections is partly to blame.
Kraft said, "It isn't just merchandise sales, but its also building materials and the construction materials that we collect sales and use tax on when you're building homes. There's no construction."
But it could be worse.
State officials said because Alabama isn't dependent on the financial industry, layoffs haven't been as big a problem as in other states.
However, Tom Surtees, the director of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations said, "Now, with the economy getting like it is, its affecting consumer goods and its affecting manufacturers and we are seeing the layoffs get into manufacturing somewhat."
However, officials with ThyssenKrupp Steel in Mobile County said they are hiring.
Scott Posey with ThyssenKrupp said, "We would like to find people who are comfortable with team environment. We are a very team-oriented company. (We are looking for) people who are able and willing to learn."
ThyssenKrupp will be holding a Jobs Fair Tuesday
It will be held at the Baldwin County Central Annex Auditorium at 22251 Palmer Street in Robertsdale from 4 pm to 7 pm.

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