2 Companies Warn Of Layoffs In Md.

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland state labor officials say two employers are warning of layoffs that could affect about 380
workers.

The Department of Labor said Tuesday that Saks Fifth Avenue plans to terminate a third of its workforce -- about 220 employees -- at its Aberdeen distribution and order fulfillment center beginning in late May.

Julia Bentley, a spokeswoman for Saks, tells The Baltimore Sun that the retailer is opening a new fulfillment center in Tennessee and phasing out jobs in Aberdeen.

Bentley says Saks is providing separation packages and re-employment assistance to affected workers.

In addition, Hostess Brands has said it would end operations at its Waldorf site if the company cannot emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That move would affect about 160 employees.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)