RTI International announces indefinite layoffs, less than 100 in North Carolina--so far

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (WTVD) -- The nonprofit research institute RTI International has announced indefinite layoffs, 61 of them in NC, due to spending freeze of U.S. foreign assistance.

The total amount of layoffs stands at 226 throughout the U.S.

"RTI deeply values every staff member," said RTI President and CEO Tim J. Gabel.

"The projects our international development staff implements provide essential contributions that support America's leadership in creating a more prosperous, safe, secure and resilient world. Our work would not be possible without the staff's incredible expertise and commitment."

Experts say the layoffs could be a sign of broader implications to come for North Carolina - and the Triangle economy.

According to the North Carolina Global Health Alliance, North Carolina is home to 900 global health institutions, generating tens of billions of dollars each year. Executive Director Brianna Clarke-Schwelm says furloughs and layoffs, including this morning's at RTI, have already swept those institutions statewide amid the funding pause.

"I would say that the freeze on foreign aid has been a catastrophe for our industry. We are experiencing mass layoffs and mass furloughs across North Carolina and the country. Hundreds and thousands of Americans have already lost their jobs and institutions are working fearlessly to try to protect their staff. But at this point, we don't know what the way forward will be," Clarke-Schwelm said.

There are also concerns about the impact layoffs might have on the research being conducted. In the case of health and scientific research, it's possible much of the work would need to be restarted altogether even if funding were to return as usual.

"This has many this has not just ramifications for employment, but it has big ramifications potentially for the success of these projects, and especially if we're talking about in the health field," said economist Mike Walden.

Walden added that further layoffs at RTP due to funding issues could create greater ripples in the local economy.

RTI International provides research, technical and development expertise to governments, businesses and other partners. Each year, the institute tackles nearly 4,000 projects on behalf of more than 1,100 clients.

The nonprofit was formed as "Research Triangle Institute" in 1958 by Triangle-area universities and government and business leaders.