Chevron will reduce its staffing levels by 400 jobs in
San Ramon, part of the energy giant's decision to transfer some operations to
Houston.
Slated to begin in August, the staffing reductions were outlined in an official
filing by Chevron with state labor officials. The transfer is being undertaken
to support the energy giant's fast-growing exploration, development and
production business, but spokesman Morgan Crinklaw said Chevron remains
committed to California and will keep its headquarters in San Ramon.
"Chevron is a California company and our roots go back more than 130 years," he
said.
Initially, Chevron had contemplated moving 800 jobs to Houston. The 400 jobs
being shifted represent about 11 percent of its San Ramon workforce of 3,500. It
has 6,500 employees in the Bay Area and 10,000 in California.
Despite the loss of 400 Chevron jobs in San Ramon, officials and realty experts
say San Ramon and the East Bay are doing well in terms of adding jobs recently.
"We are never happy to see an employer move jobs out of San Ramon, but we have
more jobs coming into San Ramon than going out," said Greg Rogers, San Ramon's
city manager.
San Francisco-based PG&E will locate its gas operations center in San Ramon,
where it already has other operations. When that opens, PG&E will have about
1,600 employees in the city's Bishop Ranch office center.
General Electric intends to staff a software research
center in San Ramon, also in Bishop Ranch, with 400 or more employees. Bank of
the West has decided to move 1,600 workers to Bishop Ranch, of which at least
1,400 are already working in the business park. And Pleasanton-based software
firm Workday recently bought Stoneridge Corporate Center. The office complex
could contain 3,000 employees if completely filled by Workday staffers. Workday
now has about 1,000 workers in Pleasanton.
Ross Stores has bought a three-building complex in Dublin where it will move its
corporate headquarters. Those offices could contain 1,600 to 2,000 Ross
employees. Ross said it wanted the Dublin complex to help it accommodate future
corporate growth.
"The market is getting healthier in the Tri-Valley," said Mark Triska, a senior
vice president with Colliers International, referring to company expansions in
San Ramon, Dublin and Pleasanton.
Chevron said opportunities remain for those being displaced by the loss of their
jobs in San Ramon.
"Those employees who choose not to relocate have the opportunity to apply for
new positions within Chevron," Crinklaw said.
