Heifer International is eliminating 28 jobs in Little Rock as part of its "global workforce reduction."
An additional 33 positions in 16 states and 169 jobs outside the U.S. also are being cut. Heifer confirmed to ArkansasBusiness.com earlier this week that planned layoffs were in effect, but wouldn't give specifics on how many jobs were being cut or where. The layoffs will affect 20 percent of its international workforce.
"The global economic situation has created a shortfall in donations of around 22 percent from this time last year," Jo Luck, Heifer president and CEO, said in a statement released Friday afternoon. "We did our best to avoid layoffs, but have had to make some extremely difficult decisions to ensure Heifer's sustainable community development work for years to come."
In addition to layoffs, Heifer has cut $10 million from its operational expenses in the past year and instituted a salary freeze for U.S. employees and a 3 percent salary reduction for top management.
Heifer, which last week officially dedicated Heifer Village on its Little Rock campus, notified employees of the layoffs beginning June 8. From late May through June 5, 33 employees in the U.S. were offered reassignment to alternate positions, with 29 accepting. Layoffs involved all areas of the organization.
"Heifer's work to end hunger and poverty is even more important in these difficult economic times," Luck said. "We will maintain and grow the number of families directly assisted by Heifer by allocating funds where we have the most impact and will inspire social action for change through education and advocacy. Our mission is our top priority."
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