Windstream to cut 10 Rochester jobs, 350 overall

Windstream said Thursday it plans to cut nearly 3 percent of its workforce by Dec. 1 to trim costs and operate more efficiently.

About 120 of the 350 positions to be cut will be eliminated through a voluntary buyout plan, the company said in a news release.

Company spokesman David Avery said 10 positions in Rochester are affected. Windstream has about 660 employees in the Rochester area, 900 in New York state and about 13,000 overall, Avery said.

"We continue to make progress simplifying processes, integrating PAETEC systems and improving operations to drive efficiencies," CEO Jeff Gardner said in a statement. "Today's actions are difficult, but necessary to effectively manage costs. While we are eliminating certain roles across the company, we continue to invest in strategic areas of our business to grow revenue, better serve customers and create value for shareholders."