LAYOFFS: Oshkosh Corp. "defense segment" to cut 250-300 hourly positions, 70 salaried positions

OSHKOSH (WITI) – Oshkosh Corporation has announced its "defense segment" plans to reduce its workforce in Oshkosh by approximately 250 to 300 hourly positions in December 2014. In addition, approximately 70 salaried positions will be eliminated with the majority being temporary employees, elimination of open positions and those retiring.

“We continue to reshape our workforce as a result of significantly lower U.S. defense spending and dramatic reductions in military vehicle production. We have gone to great lengths to minimize and delay the impact of these changes on our Defense workforce. At the same time we are aggressively competing for future contracts including JLTV, MSVS and other international opportunities, which will serve as a catalyst for growth of the Defense business," John Urias, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Oshkosh Defense said.

Oshkosh plans to reach out to the county and state workforce development agencies and local employers to help those affected in the layoff make the transition to other employment if they so desire. Provided Oshkosh receives interest from local and state-wide employers, the Company plans to hold a job fair to provide a venue for affected employees to meet prospective future employers.

“Amid the defense spending downturn, we remain committed to our role in supporting our customers’ military ground operations around the world. We will retain a strong, experienced workforce to serve all existing and new contracts as they are awarded, including JLTV. Our team stands ready to deliver the best value JLTV solution with production on an active, proven manufacturing line that is already building military vehicles for our Armed Forces today," Urias said.

With the reduction, Oshkosh will retain more than 1,800 Defense employees in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and key regional facilities around the world.