U of A DELAYS FINAL ACTION ON PHYSICAL PLANT LAYOFFS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - At the request of the General Assembly's Uniform Personnel Classification Committee, the University of Arkansas is delaying all final personnel actions on the announced layoffs in the Physical Plant.

The earliest that employee terminations will occur has been extended to August 31, 1999, according to Dr. Donald O. Pederson, vice chancellor for finance and administration.

Of the 32 employees impacted by the announcement, five are currently completing an apprenticeship program. These five will be eligible to remain as University employees until their apprenticeship is completed in June 2000. Phase-out of the program was implemented in June 1997.

According to Pederson, the University will assist employees in locating other positions in the area.

"We believe it will be possible for these skilled workers to find positions," he said. "Several companies have made inquires and expressed interest in hiring the University employees impacted by the layoffs."

###

###

Rebecca Wood, University Relations, 479-575-5555