FairPoint Communications to cut 260 jobs across 17 states

Charlotte-based FairPoint Communications said Friday it will cut 260 positions across the 17 states in which it operates as part of a “workforce restructuring.”

It’s unclear what the local impact will be. A FairPoint representative could not immediately be reached for comment.

The communications provider said combined with other layoffs over the past two years, the most recent reduction “approximates the level of voice line loss the company has experienced in that period,” according to a statement from FairPoint Friday.

FairPoint said the restructuring includes the closing of the company’s call center in South Burlington, Vt.

As of early Friday, no Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification had been issued with the N.C. Commerce Department. WARN notices are required when a company significantly reduces headcount.

“Faced with the realities of the industry and the competitive landscape in which we operate, we must be keenly focused on managing costs and enhancing productivity. These steps, while difficult, help solidify our future,” FairPoint’s CEO Paul Sunu said in the statement.

The company said it will provide severance packages based on years of service and will offer transition assistance to eligible employees.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 9:20 AM with the headline "FairPoint Communications to cut 260 jobs across 17 states."