41.   VW, one of the most heavily unionized companies in Brazil, has been seeking ways to avoid layoffs.

42.   Progress had been reported this week on ways to soften the blow of the restructuring by using voluntary retirements and more part-time jobs to avoid layoffs.

43.   AirTran Airways mechanics and other workers represented by the Teamsters union have agreed to a shorter work week and reduced compensation to avoid layoffs.

44.   Both papers are trying to avoid layoffs by offering early retirement and buyout packages.

45.   But bank union leaders have accused the state of reneging on promises to avoid layoffs.

46.   Consignia and the Communication Workers Union said they expected discussions to last several weeks as they attempted to thrash out a deal to avoid mandatory layoffs.

47.   Cultural pressures to avoid the layoffs more common in the United States are obstacles to speedy shifts in the private sector to bring profits and cut costs.

48.   Employers should cut expenses and avoid layoffs by reducing salaries and contributions to pension funds, the government-dominated National Wages Council said Thursday.

49.   Even as its business suffered, Schwab had tried to avoid the layoffs by slashing management salaries, reducing bonuses and encouraging workers to take unpaid days off.

50.   He said the company expected it could achieve those cuts through attrition and voluntary programs and could avoid layoffs, although officials declined to guarantee it.