Alcoa to cut back its global work force

The Pittsburgh-based aluminum giantAlcoaplans to cut about 13 per cent of its global work force, or about 13,500 jobs, due to the economic downturn.

Alcoa currently employs more than 4,200 workers in Canada in 15 locations and plants, mostly in Quebec and Ontario, but it's not known how the cuts will affect its Canadian operations.

The company says it's reducing its smelting output by 750,000 tonnes per year, which is approximately 18 per cent of total primary aluminum output, and selling four non-core businesses.

It is also cutting an additional 1,700 contractor positions and freezing salaries and hiring.

"These are extraordinary times, requiring speed and decisiveness to address the current economic downturn, and flexibility and foresight to be prepared for future uncertainties in our markets," said president and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld.

Alcoa reports its fourth quarter earnings on Monday.