Central Alabama Water Layoffs Spark Protests

0:00Here's more Birmingham news for March 13th. Central Alabama water laid off 135 workers on Friday morning, cutting 23% of its workforce. The sudden moves sparked protests outside the utility's locked parking lot, where former employees called it a deep betrayal by new executives. The company described the cuts as part of a major reorganization aimed at securing long-term financial stability. They also eliminated 76 vacant positions, bringing the total reduction to 211 funded jobs. CEO Jeffrey Thompson said the decision came after months of careful planning to address immediate and future needs. Workers and supporters rallied hard, pointing to a pattern of mistreatment since the new board took over. State Representative Joondalin Jivan accused leaders of stripping black employees who make up most of the staff of jobs in dignity while senior. Management remains mostly white, protesters demanded details on the layoffs and severance deals. This turmoil stems from last year's state law that reconfigured the utility into a regional

1:03entity, shifting power from Birmingham to suburban representatives. Lawmakers have blamed the old board for overspending, rate hikes and bad service. Tensions continue with lawsuits challenging the board's legality, a recent credit rating downgrade, and efforts to unionize workers. Use plan a meeting Saturday morning at the Endsley Recreation Center to keep pushing back. Support for this episode comes from our sponsor. See the description. No ear buds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound. S-O-L-L-I-S-O-L-I-SollyPillow.com