Nonprofit research institute RTI International announced temporary layoffs for 226 employees across the United States on Thursday, including 61 workers in North Carolina. The layoffs are due to the ongoing pause on U.S. foreign aid, and there is no clear timeline on when these positions will be reinstated.
RTI International, founded in 1958, was the first tenant in Research Triangle Park and has since grown into a global nonprofit focused on applying knowledge to improve the human condition. The organization conducts research and provides technical services worldwide, addressing issues in health, education, and economic development.
Tim J. Gabel, President and CEO of RTI International, expressed his concern over the situation, emphasizing the organization’s appreciation for its employees. He stated that the work done by RTI’s international development staff is crucial to supporting America’s leadership in fostering global stability and prosperity. Gabel highlighted the expertise and dedication of RTI employees, noting that their contributions are essential to the organization’s mission.
The layoffs follow a broader trend of job losses linked to the freeze on U.S. foreign assistance. Earlier this week, WRAL News reported that President Donald Trump’s decision to halt foreign aid is having significant consequences, putting thousands of jobs at risk across the country, including in the Research Triangle area.
Another nonprofit affected by the funding pause is FHI 360, a Durham-based organization focused on equity, health, and well-being in more than 60 countries. The nonprofit announced that it had to furlough 36% of its U.S. staff, resulting in the temporary loss of more than 200 employees. A spokesperson for FHI 360 confirmed that the layoffs were directly related to the pause in U.S. foreign assistance funding and programs.
As organizations like RTI International and FHI 360 navigate these challenges, employees affected by the layoffs face uncertainty regarding their futures. The funding pause has disrupted critical global projects, leading to concerns about the long-term impact on both the nonprofit sector and the communities that rely on their services.
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