Layoffs Effective Today

Alabama Mobile 17 workers laid off by the City of Prichard.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Fri, February 27, 2009 - 7:47 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, February 27, 2009 - 8:53 pm CST

Friday was the last day of work for 17 employees laid off by the City of Prichard.
The city announced the layoffs earlier this month because of the weak economy.
Those affected are dealing with the bad news as well as they can.
Derrick Lafitte said, "I'm just going to try to move on a little further, you know."
Lafitte said he was being let go from the Inspection Department.
The layoffs affect employees in departments like Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development.
Lafitte said he has only worked for the city for five to six months.
He said, "I'm a painter and a bricklayer, so its not really going to affect me that bad."
When asked if the thought he would be able to find some other work, Lafitte said, "Oh, I'm quite sure. I'm quite sure I'll be able to do that."
Latoya Veal, a spokeswoman for the City of Prichard, said the layoffs won't mean a cutback in services for people.
Veal said, "All of these employees were good employees and, if the economy takes an upward turn, we'll be more than happy to hire them back."
And she said the people being let go are getting help in finding other jobs.
Veal said, "All of our employees that were laid off, if they meet the qualifications with the Mobile Personnel Board, they will go to the top of the hiring list and will be able to be hired by other agencies."
And there's also hope for the future from the federal government.
Veal said the city is "still waiting and hoping just like other cities that we will receive stimulus funding. (Prichard) Mayor (Ron) Davis, as well as other city leaders, are working aggressively to make sure that happens."
In the meantime, Derrick Lafitte said he'll "find something else to do. Life goes on."
The layoffs are expected to save the City of Prichard $540,000 for the rest of the fiscal year.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Financial