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IBM layoffs expected. Instead, IBM adds 500 positions.

IBM layoffs have been put on hold, says union of IBM workers. Instead of layoffs, IBM announced this week that it's adding 500 jobs in Buffalo.

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Albert Gea/Reuters
IBM chairwoman and chief executive Virginia "Ginni" Rometty delivers a keynote speech at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Feb. 26, 2014.
  • By Josefa Velasquez Associated Press

| ALBANY, N.Y.

IBM said Monday it will keep 3,100 high-tech jobs in upstate New York and add 500 more in Buffalo.

The agreement between the company and the State University of New York College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering increases IBM's commitment of high-tech jobs at semiconductor plants in Dutchess County, Albany and Yorktown Heights by 750 from the current 2,350, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced. It will stave off job cuts through 2016.

IBM, which employs about 7,000 people in Dutchess Country, laid off almost 700 last year.

Alliance@IBM, the national union of IBM employees, said more jobs cuts had been expected on Wednesday. Lee Conrad, the union's national coordinator, said that he believed those layoffs have been put on hold.

IBM didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

As part of the agreement announced Monday, IBM will create 500 information technology jobs at a state-owned hub in Buffalo. Cuomo's office said the facility will train and educate IT staff and develop IT software for molecular research, genomics, energy efficiency development and defense.

The state is committing $55 million to build the center from its "Buffalo Billion" program through the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. Of that, $25 million will be for the facility and $30 million to purchase IT equipment and software. The facility is planned to open in downtown Buffalo in 2015.

IBM is based in Armonk in Westchester County.

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