Oregon Public Broadcasting

The largest private employer in Milton-Freewater has announced it may lay off 336 workers.

Ethan Lindsey reports.

Milton-Freewater city officials say the notice does not mean the office will close entirely.

And the local Sykes Enterprises office has cancelled similar layoff notices in the past, after securing new business.

Dallas Fridley is an Oregon state economist for the region.

He says the 300 telephone customer service positions were good entry-level jobs for people without college degrees.

And finding replacement work will be tough.

Dallas Fridley: “You’re talking about general, entry-level jobs, like food service, lodging, and recreation, which tend to be at minimum wage – or just above minimum wage.”

Washington state economists say the job losses will also hurt the neighboring community of Walla Walla.

Because the call center is so close to the border, many of the workers live in Washington.