BellSouth Planning to Trim 2,100 Jobs

BellSouth Corp. said it plans to cut 2,100 jobs this year as the telecommunications company attempts to eliminate redundant positions in its divisions. About 65% of the cuts, 1,365 jobs, will be made in Atlanta, an additional 420 will be cut in Birmingham, Ala., and the remaining 315 will be cut in seven other Southeastern states. Investors were pleased with the move, pushing shares of the company up $1.44 to close at $45.50 on the New York Stock Exchange. “In an industry being revolutionized by technology and increased competition, BellSouth is just doing what they need to do to stay alive and keep regulators and their shareholders happy,” said Anthony F. Ferrugia, an analyst with A.G. Edwards in St. Louis. Atlanta-based BellSouth is eliminating staff positions in human resources, financial, legal and regulatory departments, spokesman Bill Getch said. Most reductions will be made by offering early retirement or severance packages to employees who leave voluntarily.