Eastman Chemical Company confirms employee layoffs

Lay offs to be Global, Not Only at Kingsport Facility

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Eastman Chemical Company has confirmed plans to layoff some of its employees, calling it a "modest and targeted reduction" to its workforce.

According to spokesperson Betty Payne, the layoffs will be globally felt, not just at its Kingsport facility.

The spokesperson said the United States-China trade dispute and the associated economic slowdown in China and Europe are contributing factors.

"It has become obvious to us that we must do more to manage our costs as we work through these short-term challenges," Payne said. "So we have decided to take a balanced approach to cost management on two fronts."

Payne also said that employee salary increases that were not already being implemented will be delayed. Exceptions include operator and mechanic roles.

https://www.wjhl.com/local/eastman-chemical-company-confirms-employee-layoffs/1848506209