The city of Duluth has laid off 49 full-time employees, including 25 Duluth Public Library technicians.
The library technician layoffs affect all three branches of the Duluth Public Library. Library technicians, according to the city's description of the job, are largely responsible for providing services to the public such as assisting people in checking out, returning and renewing materials.
Employees were notified of the layoffs — effective May 8 — on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the city of Duluth.
The layoffs also include five parking-services agents, four housing inspectors with the Duluth Fire Department, four park maintenance workers and three janitors in the properties, parks and libraries department.
Positions that involved one layoff include electrician, plumber, assistant storekeeper, senior center coordinator, industrial equipment technician and building maintenance, all within the properties, parks and libraries department. A solid-waste compliance officer within the fire department was also laid off.
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Prior to the 49 new layoffs, the city had laid off 45 temporary, largely seasonal employees and enacted a hiring freeze, leaving 18 positions unfilled.
On Monday, the city announced the library would begin offering curbside pickup on Monday, April 27. The city reported that those services will continue to be offered as planned.
