Update: MCI WorldCom sacks 2000 staff

So Ebbers didn't keep his promise, after all

MCI WorldCom today confirmed it will slash 2000 jobs by the end of the year, following four months of speculation since the company's formation. Jamie DePeau, a company representative, confirmed: "We will be notifying approximately 2000 employees today that their jobs will be eliminated by the end of the year." The cuts will be in numerous locations, but Richardson, Texas, will suffer most -- where about 300 people will be given the boot. DePeau said the cuts were "a result of a long and detailed review of the combined WorldCom and MCI operations". Those laid off will be paid to the end of the year and receive severance pay based on length of service. The cuts were expected by analysts, who had questioned WorldCom CEO Bernie Ebbers' promise that no layoffs would result from the merger. ®