Union Pacific Railroad said Wednesday it will lay off as many as 195 workers at two sites in Hermiston.

In a letter, the Nebraska-based company told Oregon officials the layoffs are part of “efforts to run an efficient railroad.” Those losing their jobs include machinists, electricians, switchmen, material handlers and general laborers.

The layoffs are taking place at a Hermiston railyard, which will close, and at a supply warehouse and mechanical shop that will both remain open. Union Pacific said it will continue paying wages for 60 days from Wednesday’s layoff notice.

Oregon’s jobless rate remains at a historic low, 4.3 percent, but layoffs have continued intermittently at various employers that run into industry-specific headwinds or overhaul their businesses.

Huge loss! 195 laid off today ⁦@UnionPacific⁩ Hinkle outside Hermiston. Nearly 250 lost over last yr from UP. Feel sad for the 1000 people this impacts but also our communities in EO. Many are family and friends. ⁦@CityofHermiston⁩ already working on support projects! pic.twitter.com/It8NtBpNX8 — Dave Drotzmann (@MayorDrotz) May 21, 2019

Umatilla County, where Wednesday’s layoffs will take place, will feel the Union Pacific layoffs acutely. The small county has just 36,400 employees altogether. Its seasonally adjusted jobless rate was 5.3 percent in April, compared to 4.9 percent a year earlier.

Union Pacific has been making cuts across the company. It cut 475 jobs across last October, which the company said would be the first of successive layoffs through the end of 2020 as it works it boost profits.

The company had 42,000 employees in 2018, with revenues of $22.8 billion and profits of $6.0 billion.

-- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699