JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 BAE Systems is cutting nearly 200 jobs in Jacksonville, and the layoffs started this week, the company confirmed to News4JAX.<\/p>\n
The cuts represent close to a quarter of the company\u2019s Jacksonville workforce of 900 employees. BAE Systems performs ship repairs, maintenance, and overhaul work for the U.S. Navy, the cruise industry, and others.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Senior Communications Manager Laura Clifford said the company decided to scale back its local headcount to match the expected workload.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made the difficult decision to right-size the Jacksonville workforce to efficiently execute the workload expected through the end of the year,\u201d Clifford said. \u201cAs the workforce reduction unfolds, we will keep the appropriate level of skills and capability to deliver high-quality ship maintenance services to the U.S. Navy and customers. Less than 200 employees will be impacted effective this month.\u201d<\/p>\n
Questions remain about scope of cuts<\/p>\n
News4JAX received information indicating the total number of workers affected could be as high as 400, including temporary workers. Clifford did not address that figure, nor did she answer questions about whether temporary workers were included in the company\u2019s count.<\/p>\n
She also did not respond to questions about how operations at the company\u2019s new ship lift will be affected by the workforce reduction.<\/p>\n
$200 million expansion launched last year<\/p>\n