WPX Energy To Layoff 44 Tulsa Employees

Tulsa-based WPX Energy is laying off 8 percent of its workforce. The company tells us 44 people in Tulsa will lose their jobs.

The rest of the layoffs are in Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota.

The company, which develops and operates oil and gas producing properties in North Dakota, New Mexico and Colorado, blames the falling price of crude oil and natural gas for the layoffs.

“Whether small in number or large, layoffs are difficult for any community. However, I'm confident the Tulsa region's strong advanced manufacturing and energy sectors will be able to absorb most of these skilled positions," said Mike Neal, President of the Tulsa Regional Chamber.

In a news release, the company said it is possible the Tulsa office will see a net gain in total jobs depending on how many Denver employees accept an offer to relocate.

“We've evaluated many options to adjust our cost structure, and no solution is perfect. Decisions are especially difficult when they affect people's lives,” said WPX CEO Rick Muncrief.