CSX concluded its involuntary separation program on Monday.
Spokesman Gary Sease said Wednesday about 800 management positions were eliminated, including about 500 in Jacksonville across multiple locations and subsidiaries.
He said about half of the 500 employees in Jacksonville were eligible for retirement and elected to take the enhanced severance package provided under the program.
The program was announced Feb. 21. Sease said all management employees who are leaving under the program are receiving the enhanced benefits, which include outplacement services.
“These were all difficult decisions. Each of the employees made important contributions and we are grateful for their service and dedication,” Sease said.
The layoffs came as new CEO Hunter Harrison took the job Monday. Harrison is known as a railroad cost-cutter and a turnaround expert.
Harrison will work from CSX’s Downtown headquarters, he said.
“While the company has been making significant improvements in efficiency, we have to accelerate our progress to meet stakeholder expectations,” Sease said.
He said the majority of the management employee reductions are completed, “but we always work to match resources with business demand.”
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