Wells Fargo has announced plans to shutter its Salem call center on Hawthorne Avenue SE, resulting in the layoff of 221 employees. The decision, part of a broader consolidation strategy, was outlined in a letter to city and state officials, citing the closure of the Chief Operating Office Global Operations business unit at the location.

The impacted employees were verbally informed on Tuesday, with formal written notices expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. The move complies with the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which requires advance notice for significant layoffs.

Wells Fargo assured that affected employees would be eligible for severance benefits based on their tenure. Additionally, displaced workers can continue participating in the company's health plans at active rates for a specified period. "Wells Fargo is committed to supporting our displaced employees and provides severance, career assistance, and other services to assist them," the company stated.

The Salem closure is part of a larger restructuring effort affecting Wells Fargo’s global operations across Oregon. This includes similar layoffs at the company’s Hillsboro call center, where 500 employees were given notice. Oregon Public Broadcasting reports that Wells Fargo will shut down all its global operations business locations in Salem, Hillsboro, and Portland by the end of 2025.

The Salem facility, located at 355 Hawthorne Ave. SE, was originally opened in 2004 by Wachovia, a financial services company. Wells Fargo acquired the 108,000-square-foot facility in 2008 as part of its purchase of Wachovia. At its peak in 2011, the Salem customer contact center employed 550 people.

This announcement reflects a continued trend of consolidation in the financial services sector, with companies optimizing operations to cut costs and adapt to changing business environments. While Wells Fargo has emphasized its commitment to supporting displaced employees, the closure will undoubtedly impact Salem’s local economy and its workforce.

The company has indicated that some affected employees may have the opportunity to relocate or secure other positions within Wells Fargo, though many will likely face the challenge of finding new employment in a competitive job market.

As Wells Fargo exits its Oregon-based operations, local and state officials are bracing for the ripple effects of these closures. The financial giant’s decision underscores the ongoing transformation in the industry, where digital banking and centralized operations increasingly replace traditional in-person services and regional hubs.

The closure of Wells Fargo's Salem call center marks the end of nearly two decades of operations at the site. As the company consolidates and restructures, the impact on employees and the local community will be significant, highlighting the human cost of corporate decisions in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.