Stryker Corp. layoff plans strike chords of political and economic concern (Kalamazoo Gazette)
KALAMAZOO — Stryker Corp.'s plans to layoff about 5 percent of its worldwide staff to cut costs — a move announced by the medical products company last Thursday — have some worried about the spin-off effect it may have in the community.
It seems to be an even bigger concern, however, to some from the political standpoint.
They are squarely blaming the new Medical Device Excise Tax and the Obama administration for the Kalamazoo-based company's decision.
“We’ve already got the highest unemployment rate in the country,” said Charlie Owens, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Clearly, the federal law is aggravating the problem and it’s undermining the state’s effort to improve the economic climate.”
Stryker Chairman, President and CEO Stephen P. MacMillan said the decision was a result of “a challenging economic environment and a market slowdown in elective medical procedures,” as well as the need to prepare for the new tax.
The company said that it will look to cut its 20,036-person worldwide staff before the end of 2012 and restructure some of its op...
