CHARLESTON, W.Va. — BB&T notified 56 workers at its Processing Service Center in Charleston Tuesday that their jobs would be eliminated Dec. 1.
Representatives of the banking company told Charleston Mayor Danny Jones the move is part of a continuing effort to become a more efficient company. Jones met with a BB&T official Monday, he said.
“When I received the call I was obviously apprehensive about what might take place in the meeting but it could have been a lot more negative,” Jones said.
BB&T will still have several hundred workers in the Charleston area, Jones said.
“We know there are fluctuations with banks and with a regional bank like BB&T. We are grateful for the presence they do have in Charleston and we hope there are no further cutbacks,” Jones said.
In a letter addressed to Jones Tuesday from BB&T West Virginia Central Regional President Bobby Blakley provided the WARN notice. Blakley said the company is constantly evaluating its business on ways to remain competitive.
“As part of this process we are becoming a more efficient company, but periodically it requires redirecting resources to areas where they’re most needed,” Blakley said.
Blakley went on to say some employees could keep their jobs.
“As we complete the review process we could potentially retain some employees if positions become available as part of normal attrition,” Blakley said.
He added the company remains committed to West Virginia and the Charleston area and remains active “through volunteer work, financial contributions and representations on civic and charitable boards.”
BB&T Vice President of Corporate Communications David White issued the following statement:
“We’re already working alongside them to look for other opportunities both inside and outside of our company. Each associate is provided a 60-day notice, offered career transition services and a severance package based on their years of service.”
The processing center is located at the intersection of Piedmont Road and Bullitt Street in Charleston.