15 biggest job losers

Warren Buffett's diversified holding company saw staff reductions at a few of its core businesses: more than 8,000 workers were pink-slipped at Fruit of the Loom, carpeting manufacturer Shaw Industries cut 3,500 employees, and Russell Corporation laid off 2,500 workers. Berkshire's acquisition of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (and 35,000 jobs) earlier this year increased the company's total headcount to 257,000.

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