Gov. Rick Scott Says He Is "Let Down" By Report Of AA Layoffs
TALLAHASSEE (CBS/AP) – After American Airlines announced on Tuesday it's plans to possibly let go of more than 1,400 in South Florida employees, Gov. Rick Scott is let down.
Gov. Rick Scott has made job creation his top priority and says that he is disappointed by the recent layoffs of Florida airline and wind turbine workers.
Siemens Energy Inc. said it will lay off 615 wind turbine workers in three states including about 60 at its Orlando headquarters. Siemens Energy Inc. blamed the sudden layoffs on the failure of Congress so far to renew a tax credit for wind energy.
According to American Airlines' spokesman Bruce Hicks who added in a statement released to CBS4 News Tuesday afternoon that read in part:
"American Airlines has worked to lower our costs through sustainable, structural changes. Unfortunately, it was clear from the beginning that this would involve job loss. While any job loss is difficult, we now expect the need to furlough only about one-third of our original estimate as a result of these efforts and other progress on our restructuring plans."
Scott said Wednesday that he has asked state and local economic development and employment agencies to help find new jobs for laid off workers.
Scott said he didn't have a position on the tax credit for wind energy issue but wanted get more information about it.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
