Blue Cross Plans to Lay Off 54 Workers at End of June

Blue Cross of California, trying to rebound from major losses in recent years, announced plans to lay off 54 workers at various offices around the state June 30.

The Woodland Hills company, which is one of the state’s biggest health insurers and employs 4,300 people, said 32 of the workers to be laid off handled membership and billing services for Blue Cross’ Small Group division, which provides insurance for small businesses.

An extra 22 workers provided support for the Small Group’s sales offices in Emeryville, Tarzana, Costa Mesa and Woodland Hills.

“This action is part of Blue Cross of California’s goal of improving our effectiveness and serving our customers better,” D. Mark Weinberg, senior vice president of Small Group and Individual Services Division, said in a statement.