AMD job cuts to hit Australia

Advanced Micro Devices' (AMD) Australian arm has confirmed that the chipmaker's plans to cut its workforce by 9 per cent globally will include Australian workers.

(Credit: AMD)

AMD's Australian country manager Caleb Leung today confirmed that local job cuts were expected to occur within the first three months of the year; however, when contacted by ZDNet.com.au he would not clarify exact numbers.

"Notifications and reductions will occur across all regions," Leung said in a statement.

Globally, the chipmaker is expected to trim 1,100 staff from its workforce through attrition and lay-offs the company said last Friday.

"These actions, while difficult, will allow AMD to better navigate the turbulent economic conditions," Leung said.

AMD had also said it planned to introduce temporary salary cuts. CEO Dirk Meyer and executive chairman Hector Ruiz are set to take a 20 per cent cut. US and Canadian executives with a rank of vice president or higher will take a 15 per cent pay cut, while other workers a 10 per cent cut. Casual workers, meanwhile, face a 5 per cent wage reduction.

The chipmaker has struggled to reach previous financial goals, and had warned Wall Street last month that it expected to post a profit of US$1.19 billion (excluding process technology licence revenue) — 25 per cent below its third-quarter performance. The company had previously predicted its profits to be flat next quarter rather than down.

AMD has said it would provide more details at its fourth quarter earnings announcement for 2008 on 22 January.

CNET News' Dawn Kawamoto contributed to this article.