Worker layoffs coming at Port of Portland

[UpInArms]

http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/business-0/1095869355298450.xml&storylist=orlocal

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Worker layoffs and other cutbacks are imminent at the Port of Portland, after two container shipping companies announced plans to leave the port.

It's not yet clear exactly how many jobs will be eliminated, or when the announcement will come.

"It's very delicate," Bill Wyatt, the Port's executive director, told The Oregonian. "A lot of employees are involved. They need to be the first ones to know."

The Port stands to lose two- thirds of its container traffic from last week's pullout of Hyundai Merchant Marine and the impending December departure of "K" Line America.

Only one container shipping line will remain after "K" Line's exit, down from four in 2001.

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