CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina State Ports Authority says it will cut 17 dockworkers as part of a plan to counter a decline in container volume and save $1 million.
Officials say the job cuts will save about $750,000. Multiple media outlets report Monday that another $250,000 will be saved from two-day furloughs, which the port is requiring from all workers during the fiscal year.
Officials say the Ports Authority will help workers prepare to look for other positions.
It's estimated that container volume dropped by about 20 percent in the fiscal year that ended June 30. That follows a 10 percent decrease for the year before.
The cuts will reduce the port's work force of about 540 by less than 3 percent.
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