Central Alabama Water Layoffs: $20M Cut, Community Support

0:00From Birmingham, this is your March 15th update. More than 100 employees at Central Alabama Water lost their jobs on Friday. The utility made the cuts to fix its money problems and stay afloat. Leaders say this will save about $20 million a year in labor costs and prevent a 10% jump in customer rates. These layoffs stem from tough financial issues left over from the old Birmingham Water Works Board. The new utility is still getting on its feet after taking over the system. City leaders and former workers are upset about the move. Some officials call it unfair to the staff, stripping them of jobs without enough thought. One longtime employee with seven years on the job said she was shocked when told her position was gone during an early morning meeting. Utility staff are now helping those affected with severance details and explaining the changes. They plan to show a new budget for 2026 to the board next week. Community groups are stepping up too, planning a meeting to support the laid off workers. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor.

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