Over 300 layoffs are expected following the closure of Charter Communications’ customer service center in Rochester. On Friday, the American telecommunications and media company, also known as Spectrum, announced the permanent shutdown of its Rochester contact center, leading to layoffs for 330 employees.
Charter Communications sent a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) letter to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), informing them of the permanent closure of the Rochester location.
As a result of this closure, 330 employees will be laid off starting on August 15. A spokesperson for Charter Communications stated that operations from the Rochester center will be transitioned to other locations across the United States.
Employees at the Rochester location are offered the option to transfer to other locations with relocation benefits. Those who choose not to transfer will receive severance benefits. “Our goal is to retain as much talent and experience as possible,” said Charter Communications.
It was noted that none of the employees at the Rochester location were union members, and Charter does not recognize “bumping rights,” which allow employees to replace other employees based on seniority.
Additionally, Charter Communications will lay off 230 call center employees based in Austin.