(FOLEY, Ala.) November 23 - From Jackson, Alabama to Bayou La Batre nearly 500 people are facing unemployment along the Gulf Coast just in the last month. Three companies in four cities have announced massive layoffs in the area.
The latest came Monday from the BF Goodrich plant in Foley. Seventy-eight jobs will be cut there at the beginning of next year. The 78 who will lose their jobs in Foley work in Goodrich's maintenance division. A company official says since airlines have cut back on repairs this means less work and jobs have to be cut.
Bob Higgins with Baldwin County's Economic Development points to HK Motors, the Chinese car venture recently announced for the Bay Minette area as an example for future job creation. "You know that's 4,000 or 5,000 jobs -now that's not going to happen tomorrow you still got to build the plant," says Higgins.
Goodrich says the 78 cuts will be effective Jan. 15. Employees will not know who will be laid off until next month.
