FDA reduces food and drug testing with federal layoffs
The FDA will measure regular inspections through support staff layoffs and prioritization of high-risk cases amid government restructuring and budget cuts.
Straight Arrow News
- O’Reilly Auto Parts fired less than 11% of its IT staff as part of its modernization efforts.
- The Springfield, Missouri-based company says layoffs are not related to cost reductions, but to realizing skills for future projects.
- Affected employees will receive a retirement package and will be considered for other open positions.
Staff within the O’Reilly Auto Parts Information Technology department have been fired.
Social media posts created by current and previous O’Reilly Information Technology staff estimated that the layoffs had affected more than 100 employees.
In an emailed statement on April 24, Director of Public Relations Sonya Kullmann Cox said that under 11% of IT teams have been fired to “modernize IT solutions and structures” and adjust employee skills in the future.
“We recognize the importance of the impact on the affected individuals and their families and are grateful for past services to our company,” Kullman Cox said in an email.
She said most of the affected employees worked outside the metro area in Springfield, Missouri. Employees have retired based on their position and years of service and extended healthcare coverage. Kullman Cox said if interested they would consider other positions within the company or get help from outplacement services.
“This was not an effort to reduce the size of the team or reduce costs,” she said. “O’Reilly is looking for individuals with the specific IT skills and experience needed for future jobs.”
According to a news release on April 23, the company reported steady growth in the first quarter of the year. Expenses increased, with net profit falling by 8% and 2% respectively, while both sales and gross profit rose by 4% compared to the same period a year ago.
The O’Reilly Careers website has shown 23 open positions under the IT category as of 11:30am on April 29th.
In September, the US House Selection Committee on the Communist Party of China raised concerns that US auto parts companies, including O’Reilly, are avoiding tariffs by avoiding tariffs by transshipping products made in China through Thailand. Through the letter, the committee warned auto parts retailers that intentionally purchasing illegally introduced products could face serious consequences, and requested answers to several questions regarding the company’s transactions with Chinese-based manufacturers.
Marta Mieze covers local governments for newsreaders. Do you have feedback, tips, or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
