More Layoffs For International Game Technologies

International Game Technologies has begun implementing its previously announced plan to reduce its workforce to save approximately $100 million in cost annually.

While Unemployment rates continue to grow around the country, the casino game manufacture says they are attempting to conduct the workforce reduction as “humanely as possible” and will continue to pay those affected until January 4 with benefits beginning at that time to ensure that they are covered through the holidays.

While approximately 500 positions are expected to be eliminated world-wide, 13 employees received the news yesterday that their positions were being eliminated. Spokesman Ed Rogich said that 40% of the 500 positions are employees that voluntarily accepted retirement packages.

IGT has cut more than 800 jobs in the past two years and reduced expenses by more than $100 million.

“As IGT continues to respond to the needs of the industry, the natural course of business is to seek talent that addresses our company objectives,” IGT spokeswoman Shelle Murach said in a statement. “As such, the elimination of some specific roles in our company is a response to the evolving requirements of our business.”