GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - StarTek has issued a statement regarding news the Grand Junction North Avenue location is laying off more than 150 employees. A story 11 News broke first on this Web site.

11 News first learned of the move from a StarTek employee. In a news release StarTek says they notified 33 employees they will be immediately affected by the layoffs at the 2830 North Ave. location. The release says those 33 will be out of a job by the end of August. Another 120 will lose their jobs over the next 11 months.

“The employee layoffs will be done gradually and extend through the second quarter of next year,” said Andy Rangel, senior director of operations in the release. “The decision to move the line of business was made by our client, and was not based on our performance but a change in business strategy. They will continue to work with StarTek and remain a valued client.”

The employee who contacted 11 News says the employees were told about the closure in a meeting Thursday afternoon and had no idea it was coming. The employee also identified the client as AT&T.

StarTek officials said in the release the company will be providing job hunting skills assistance to those employees over the next few months. Officials also say employees are encouraged to apply to other StarTek locations. “We will do whatever we can to help our valued employees during this transition,” said Rangel. “We also enjoy being a part of the Grand Junction community and are committed to the Grand Valley area.”

StarTek Media Contact Rosemary Hanratty said in an email that came with the release company officials would not be making any additional comments or answering any questions at this time because they have no additional information. They said should that change they would notify the media.

11 News has obtained a copy of the letter given to employees at the meeting Thursday. It states 164 people work at the location. Eventually, all but five will be laid off. The letter also states the company "is making efforts to find a suitable replacement business or other opportunities for affected employees, but there are no guarantees the company will be successful in doing so." The letter also labels the move as a "mass layoff."

This is the release issued by StarTek to the media:

July 1, 2010
StarTek in Grand Junction Announces Layoffs
Denver, CO—StarTek (NYSE: SRT) announced today that notification was given to 33 employees that their jobs will be eliminated by the end of August due to the loss of a client program at the StarTek location on 2830 North Avenue. An additional approximately 120 employees will be affected over the next 11 months with a gradual ramp down over that time period.

“The employee layoffs will be done gradually and extend through the second quarter of next year,” said Andy Rangel, senior director of operations. “The decision to move the line of business was made by our client, and was not based on our performance but a change in business strategy. They will continue to work with StarTek and remain a valued client.”

StarTek over the next months will provide job hunting skills assistance to those affected by the change. The employees are also welcome to apply to other StarTek locations.

“We will do whatever we can to help our valued employees during this transition,” continued Rangel. “We also enjoy being a part of the Grand Junction community and are committed to the Grand Valley area.”

About StarTek

StarTek, Inc. (NYSE: SRT) is a high quality business process outsourcing (BPO) company dedicated to service. For over 20 years, the company has been committed to serving the needs of its clients and their customers. StarTek helps its clients manage the customer experience across the customer life cycle, resulting in improved customer retention, increased revenue, and greater cost efficiencies. Its comprehensive suite of solutions includes sales, order management and provisioning, customer care, technical support, receivables management, and retention programs. The company also offers clients a variety of multi-channel customer interaction capabilities including voice, chat, email, IVR and back-office support. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, StarTek has 18 delivery centers including onshore locations in North America, near shore in Costa Rica, offshore in the Philippines and virtually through its StarTek@Home workforce. For more information, visit www.StarTek.com or call +1 303 262 4500.

To read the copy of the letter to employees obtained by 11 News, click on the document link above.

Stay with 11 News online and tune in at 5:30 and 10 p.m. for the latest on this developing story.