UPS To Close Charlotte Customer Center, Eliminate 99 Jobs in Latest Round of Layoffs
In an unexpected development, UPS will shut down its Customer Center on W. Pointe Drive in Charlotte by next May. The closure will eliminate 99 positions, another hit to the facility that lost 75 jobs just last year.
The impact runs deep. Dozens of part-time workers, about twenty supervisors, and two senior managers will lose their jobs. This is the second round of major job cuts at this location in less than a year.
“As mentioned during our earnings call in January, UPS is making changes to optimize our network and improve efficiency, which will include closing some facilities,” said Karen Tomaszewski Hill to businessnc.com.
While UPS earned $91.1 billion last year, they’re cutting jobs across their global operations. A massive 12,000 employees worldwide will be let go as the company reduces costs.
Documents filed with North Carolina reveal the cuts come from major changes in package handling operations. While some operations might continue at the location, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.
The cuts affect both union and non-union employees. Union members can replace less senior workers, but the exact size of Charlotte’s remaining workforce remains private.
There’s a silver lining, some employees might find positions elsewhere in UPS. HR director Bria Woods promises support for those looking for new positions.
UPS employs half a million people globally. Seventy percent are union members.
This change is part of a bigger plan. UPS wants to cut Amazon deliveries in half within two years. They’re working to reduce their dependence on their largest customer.
Local officials are concerned these job losses could impact Charlotte’s economy. Still, UPS says they’re staying in the Queen City, just with a smaller workforce.
For affected employees, UPS is offering career transition support. Union representatives, while concerned about the future, highlight efforts to find new positions for their members.
